3/5/2026 - Northport Village | Work Session Meeting Minutes

Summary

The Village Council of Northport held a work session on March 5, 2026, focusing on several key topics including infrastructure, housing development plans, new water rate proposals, and updates to rental ordinances. The meeting included discussions around the Seventh Street and High Street parcels' development concepts, water rate structure updates, the repeal of an outdated subdivision ordinance, and membership changes to the Planning Commission. Public comments expressed concern about transparency and potential housing density impacts.

Public Comments

Joanne Swanson, from 10554 North Shore Drive, voiced concerns regarding the transparency of the development plans for the Seventh Street concept, questioning the legal authority for development and noting the timing of the plan’s presentation. Vicky Slot, from 10160 North Shore Drive, expressed similar concerns about increased housing density, its effect on neighborhood character, property values, and the environment, suggesting that a lower density or selling the property might be wiser.

Affordable Housing Initiatives

Discussions included various development scenarios for the Seventh Street and High Street parcels with a focus on attainable housing goals. Council reviewed options that ranged from passive recreation to multiple cottage-style housing layouts and discussed compatibility with surrounding uses and the need for zoning changes to support “missing middle” housing options. No decisions were made, but further review and a decision are anticipated in future meetings.

Parks and Recreation Matters

No specific discussions were held on parks and recreation matters beyond the integration of trails and boardwalks with adjacent park area development.

Infrastructure Projects

The Council discussed the Village’s water rate study proposal, emphasizing the need to update financial projections to ensure that the water system remains a self-supporting enterprise. The proposal by Utility Financial Solutions for $14,900 aims to establish a multi-year rate path. The Council reached a general consensus on the importance of this update, but no votes were taken at this meeting.

Other Business

Additional discussions involved repealing Ordinance 66B to simplify regulatory frameworks regarding land division, and the potential reduction of Planning Commission membership from seven to five to address difficulties with vacancies and quorum maintenance. Both topics received general support and are set for further consideration in the next regular meeting.

Action Items

- Staff to bring forward a resolution to repeal Ordinance 66B at a future meeting. - Council support for an ordinance amendment to reduce Planning Commission members to five at the next regular meeting. - Further discussions on the Seventh Street and High Street parcel concepts will occur, with public feedback planned during the upcoming Housing Summit on April 28.