Neighborhood Impact Study – Arts Union Discussion Questions

 

 

 

At the first Neighborhood Impact Study Meeting (10/10/08) the neighbor reps requested that we assemble a list of discussion questions regarding the New Arts Union construction and future program. The goal of this list is to initiate a constructive discussion between the neighbors and Carleton College regarding potential neighborhood concerns and ways that these concerns may be addressed. Please post your comments/responses below.

 

 

QUESTION  1. What do you value most about your neighborhood? Please indicate in general or specific terms, where you live in Northfield.

I value the park with all the shrubs & trees , and enjoy seeing the small children playing there.  I also value the community activities held there, e.g., the plays, activities of Jesse James Days. (Resident across from the park)

 

 

Our family chose to move from Eagan to our home in Northfield eight years ago for the following reasons:

a.       We desired a yard and a neighborhood filled with mature trees.

b.      We love our traditional Cape Cod house on Prairie Street.

c.       We enjoy walking through our neighborhood to admire the older homes and yards of our neighbors.

d.      We love the open space of the golf course, arb, Memorial Park, and Central Park.

e.      Our family appreciates being within walking distance of so many amenities.

 

These are my responses to the questions on the yellow sheet, in general:  The historic nature of our neighborhood, in terms of the integrity of  homes, mature plantings, etc and the neighbors are what I value. It  has been a good place to raise children, with intergenerational  relationships, friendships with residents of Laura Baker School,  sitters from Carleton. It is nice to be able to walk to church on  Sunday. It is a safe area and we have a lovely park in our midst.  I hope that the arts complex recognizes the area and respects that  integrity. I would wish that the park maintain its family friendly  atmosphere, that parking be available to park users, usually young  families. That the park does not become the domain of smokers, etc.  I hope that parking is discussed, in terms of events, daily parking  needs of employees, etc. Will staff park on campus?  I hope there is a cooperative effort with local businesses, not a  

competitive one, particularly in this current economic climate.  I would really like to see the building occupied; would there be  options for use until the monies are raised for the arts renovations?  The yard is maintained and the walks kept clean, but it is still  empty, not good for the surrounding neighbors.  Thanks for adding these opinions to the rest!  Anne (Meyer Ruppel) 

 

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We live on East 2nd Street near entrance to the Upper Arb, so are somewhat removed from Central Park. As residents here for several decades, we enjoy the sense of history and community shared among the residents, younger and older, plus the proximity to the college and the town. It still seems like a safe neighborhood in which we can walk at night. It's a delight to be so close to Carleton and to be able to stroll through the campus. Central Park has its own integrity as a meeting place for children and adults for recreation and discussion — or summer theater — and we hope this will remain so in the future. We look forward to a time when the Arts Union is up and running, and think it will enhance the quality of life for Northfielders. 

 We live on the corner of 4th and College so will be living directly across from the new addition.  We most value the historic nature of our neighborhood and the many lovely old homes.  We also like the livability and walkability of the neighborhood with the downtown nearby.  Finally, we enjoy living around different age groups. (Terri Melnychenko)

We live on Winona Street between two Carleton-owned properties.  We value all the components of our very special neighborhood, including longstanding friendships with neighbors, pleasant relations with Carleton students and faculty who live near, the ability to walk downtown safely and pleasantly (excepting the brief aberration with the pit bull living in the rental property on Second Street this summer), a strong neighborhood association, the close proximity of the beautiful Carleton campus (and the way we feel welcome on campus), and the great gathering space offered by Central Park.  We especially enjoy meeting neighbors to socialize and garden at Central Park and on the grounds of the Northfield Public Library.  We also cherish the Japanese garden and the Carleton Arboretum.  We appreciate the quiet of the street, the relative lack of light and noise pollution, all the mature trees and green spaces, and the way most people maintain their property.  We plan to live in our house for decades to come.

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I value the sense of neighborhood among the residents, e.g., people care and watch out for one another; the safe environment in which children can grow, e.g., children know they can seek help from neighbors if needed; and the shared sense of the historical significance of our neighborhood, e.g., home owners value and keep their historical houses well maintained and compatible with the historical neighborhood. - a neighbor within a block.

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The historic aspects of the East Side.  We value Central Park, that neighbors maintain their property, that it is a relatively quiet neighborhood with friendly, helpful neighbors.  (Corrine & Elvin Heiberg)

I live at 703 4th St E.  My favorite thing about our neighborhood is that we can easily walk both to the middle of downtown and to the edge of town through the Arboretum.  I love going on walks and looking at the different styles of houses and what people do to maintain and change them and how they care for their yards.  I also like that we are close to Carleton and can take advantage of the public programs they have. (Heidi Rubenstein)

 I live at 109 Winona St.   I like the residential nature of the neighborhood, coupled with the liveliness of living near Carleton.  I enjoy the student foot traffic.  I like being close to campus, close to downtown (especially the public library), and consider Central Park an important amenity.  (Victoria Morse)

We live on E. 2nd and Winona. We value walkability in the neighborhood and downtown, the fact that most of what we need is downtown and walkable, the historic feel of the neighborhood, the ebb and flow of students throughout the year, and our wonderful neighbors themselves. (Matt and Sarah Forester)

Carleton preserve the auditorium, built during the Depression using federal funds.  It has wonderful acoustics.  (I think Carleton is aware of this,but it would be good to make sure. (Barbara Clark)

Most importantly, I value the people who live in my neighborhood and the relationships we have together as families and individuals.  Secondly, I value an environment that is very friendly to children (and in this way, Central Park is truly “central”); thirdly, I enjoy the beauty of the gardens, trees, and architecture. (Anonymous)

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We live a block south of the proposed Arts Union.  We love this neighborhood for many reasons.  One of my favorite things about our neighborhood is the “walkability” factor – there are plenty of sidewalks and we use them to walk/bike to the library, downtown, parks, the Arb, Carleton campus, the city pool, and more.  Equally important, we have terrific people in our neighborhood and I value greatly, the feeling of connectedness I have with the many other families here.  I feel a great sense of community and involvement here.  Lastly, I love the diversity and beauty of the older homes in this neighborhood. 

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Our house is on Elm between 2nd and 3rd.  We love the quiet classic character of our neighborhood, as well as its proximity (walking distance) to many wonderful activities.  The people who live near us are all wonderful neighbors.  We love our neighborhood also for the things it does NOT have: lots of car traffic and student-occupied homes. (John and Peggy Hanson)

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We have lived at 106 Nevada for 30 years. Why has this been home to us all of these years? It's a wonderful neighborhood. Because of the sidewalks and the proximity to Carleton, downtown, and Central Park, people are out walking in the neighborhood. And when people are out in the neighborhood, this helps us get to know one another and form friendships. We also like the historic nature of our neighborhood with historic homes that people are enjoying renovating and the beautiful gardens people have planted. (Steve and Jennifer Edwins)

 

 2.      How might the re-development of the Middle School as the Carleton Arts Union add value to its surrounding neighborhood and/or the wider community? In addressing this question, and question 3, below, consider both the potential public programs associated with the Arts Union, as well as the design of the facility. Please include specific features such as; exterior design, landscape design/plantings, sidewalks, lighting schemes, public seating, etc.        

I don’t know that the redevelopment will add value.  I’d have to see the final plans for the Union.  (Resident across from the park) 

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 The location of the current building is part of a community link to our neighborhood. The other buildings that draw in people are the public library, United Church of Christ, and the Carleton College campus. When people attend events at these locations, typically they are also drawn to the historic charm of our neighborhood, recognizing that our neighborhood is the gem of Northfield, both for beauty and access to cultural events. Of course we homeowners will benefit from the proposed Arts Union because we can enjoy even more events within walking distance of our homes.

 

By purchasing the old Middle School, Carleton has stepped forward to greatly enhance this neighborhood and the City.  Renovating an old building is extremely expensive (tens of millions of dollars), and there were really no other viable players in the City with deep enough pockets to make it happen.  If Carleton hadn't stepped forward and purchased this property, it might have gone into further disrepair and torn down.  To have an Arts Union located so close to downtown and the Campus it extremely exciting and brilliant.  Even though this project is years away from completion, it offers a true vision and goal for the Campus, City and the neighborhood.  Carleton badly needs more art space (just compare what Carleton offers in exhibition space compared to St. Olaf).  The 1950's cafeteria addition is an eye sore and I am glad the plans have completely revamped that end of the building.  Being an Arts Union, the exterior of the building blends the old main building architecture with the new, fresh ideas of the "modern age" with the bold addition.  I can picture in my mind the inside of the new, large metal addition as being a wonderfully bright, creative space - a space I would want to be in as I walk downtown as a stop over, sit and drink a cup of coffee from a small cafe, read the newspaper, or view some artwork.  I can also picture the space used for receptions before and after evening concerts and plays, with a glass of wine.  In my opinion, I believe the old style and new style parts of the building provide a nice contrast and should be kept as designed.  I am against opening up College St. through Central Park.  There is simple too much foot traffic including small children.  It isn't safe to open up College St, and I think College St. should remain closed between 3rd and 4th Streets.  As far as outdoor lighting, there should be enough to make it safe to walk around the outside of the building at nighttime but not so bright as to seem like a football stadium.  The landscaping in the plans seems quite traditional and there isn't a lot of landscape enhancements.  There isn't mush lawn space as is, but to create inviting gardens with small paths on what lawn space there is can enhance the focus on arts, by using the natural world (plants) to create "art" outside too.  I can picture color themes with the plants, trees and flowers interspersed with sculptures.  I would also encourage Carleton to start using this building now rather than later.  It would be better to fix it up as needed to open up the space and maintain it rather than let it sit for several more years boarded up.  The new riverwalk in downtown Northfield along the Cannon River as a wonderful sculpture called "Harvest". Would it be possible the Carleton and the City to agree on one or two strategically-placed sculptures in and around the Arts Union, perhaps in Central Park?

The indoor space can be quite stunning, are there plans to allow members of the community to rent out that space for private events, such as weddings, large parties, anniversaries, corporate functions, etc.?  The summer months would be slow for the Arts Union, I would guess, and many weddings take place in the summer.  Perhaps an outdoor wedding could even be facilitated in conjunction with the City at Central Park (for a fee, and another way the City can generate revenue) with the reception in the Arts Union.  As long as there are no conflicts with Carleton events, I would think it would be a way of the Arts Union to support itself financially, as maintaining such a building doesn't come cheap.

Are there plans for a small shop inside so the art students can sell their artwork?  One diffifult transition I heard about from my art student friends upon graduation is there total lack of any business skills to manage themselves as independent artists.  The gift shop would provide a learning opportunity for the art students to market themselves and one way of inviting the community to enter the building.

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 Ever since hearing about the idea of an Arts Union I have had a fantasy that, in addition to its many functions, it might also house a movie theater that would (periodically, if not routinely) offer films of interest to the general public. Okay, the fantasy is that it might become Lagoon Theatre South with 1st run films. In fact, we now live without any movie theater in town. My sense is that some open nights of screenings where the public is welcome, and people from town feel comfortable in beautiful new spaces will go far to create genuine good feelings and town-gown relations. I'm not sure I agree with some other commentators who think the architecture must be all more or less the same. Some sense of the historic building is desired, and planned for, and I think the newer spaces will certainly be a vast improvement over what we've been living with in the 1950s style cafeteria wing for many decades. 

The exterior design should blend with the old school and with the neighborhood.  The current design does neither.  Carleton has shown over the years that they can produce beautiful architecture that fits into the historic neighborhood.  Please do it again in the Arts Union.   An addition that respects the exiting historic architecture could tremendously benefit the area.    Gardens reminiscent of those in the middle of Central Park would enhance the building and draw people to the Arts Union.  Sidewalks incorporating a sense of inclusion of the public around the building would further add to the design.  Lighting, of course, must light well enough for protection but also be subtle enough to enhance the historic building.  Having a smaller scale and a less intrusive presence on Central Park would also aid in the designs overall beauty and acceptance. (Terri Melnychenko)

 

 

 

First, we think that investment of Carleton in new arts facilities is an appropriate use for this former City property and is in keeping with Northfield's goal of becoming an arts town/arts destination. The arts (and artists -- should there be a residential component for visiting artists) are good for neighborhoods and local economy.  The arts offer natural meeting ground for all kinds of people, and we are all for giving the arts more visibility. 

Second, regarding the design, we want to make sure that all exterior design elements are sensitive to the residential character of the neighborhood.  Specifically, we would not want the new structure to be larger than the current one.  We are opposed to bright lights at night and to loud music or other sounds leaking out of the structure -- anything audible from the sidewalk would be something we would consider intrusive.  

 We also appreciate the necessity for contemporary art to be controversial on many occasions; HOWEVER, we would be opposed to having any graphically violent, sexual, racist, or misogynistic art displayed outside the building (banners, posters, sculptures, etc.) where children might encounter it.  That said, we think of many ways that art installations and plantings, such as we have enjoyed at Walker Art Center's Sculpture Garden, the Franconia Art Park, and the University Landscape Arboretum, for example would be stimulating and welcome additions to the neighborhood.   

 If there are publically accessible galleries, coffee shop/meeting places, performances, lectures, or class options, we think any or all of these would enhance the neighborhood.  We also think it is better to have this structure in use than standing vacant.

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I have not heard about specific public programs that are being considered by the college.  I would assume that it might involve some public programs that are currently offered to the public on the main campus, e.g., art exhibits and theater performances.  I am not aware of offerings that would be in addition/different from those currently available to the public but assume there are. 

Of course, if the architecture, landscaping, lighting, etc. complemented the Neighborhood, it would be an asset.  I do not, however, believe the current plans do that (see 3a below) - a neighbor within a block.

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Boarded up windows and old middle school is an eyesore.  The parking area is in disrepair.  We hope a historical architect can redesign the building to fit in with the neighborhood and enhance it.  (Corrine & Elvin Heiberg)

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I am extremely excited about the Arts Union plans!  Since we live on 4th Street, I imagine it being a stop for us on the way to Division Street.  I would like to stop in with my family to see gallery shows or sit at the cafe.  I really like the idea of looking at art of all different kinds with my daughter as she grows.  I like how in Boliou Hall there is a cozy seating area with the latest art magazines out on shelves and I think it would be nice to replicate that in the Arts Union - a peaceful place to think creative thoughts.  (Heidi Rubenstein)

Having the old Middle School building in use is important to the neighborhood, and I look forward to improved landscaping.  I would be happy to see the community coming to the Arts Union for exhibits, talks, and film showings. (Victoria Morse)

We are grateful to Carleton for it's commitment to purchase and maintain the historic buildings. The redevelopment plans in our mind have taken into account the surrounding setting, and will provide a great mix of old and new. In terms of programming, we are grateful to Carleton for all the tremendous opportunities it extends to the community in the arts, lectures, etc., and think the arts union will be a wonderful facility in which new creative endeavors will be shared in a spectacular venue. (Matt and Sarah Forester)

I hope Carleton tears down the cafeteria building.  It has no redeeming architectural value. The street between 3rd and 4th could then be restored.  (Barbara Clark)

If the design of the new addition were to be correctly aligned with the existing architecture of the surrounding area, then there would be good reason to celebrate the removal of the decaying older addition.  It benefits the neighborhood when buildings are well maintained, and Carleton generally does a great job of maintaining buildings and landscaping. (Anonymous)

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I think, in general, Carleton does a beautiful job maintaining its campus and buildings.  One of the greatest advantages of living near Carleton College is the vast amount of beautiful green space to roam around on.  I think the re-development could benefit the neighborhood by improving the external view of the building (removing bad 60’s add on, improving run down parking area/sidewalks, adding appropriate landscaping/lighting, etc.)  Unfortunately, I do not care for the proposed design and feel it does not fit with the neighborhood.  I think the historic nature of this neighborhood is important to the residents and the college needs to be more sensitive to that.  I think the current design is inappropriate for this neighborhood.  Additionally, I think the college could offer programming and space to local residents and artists.

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I think the Arts Union could host exhibitions and concerts that would be great things for the surrounding community.  Perhaps an email mailing list of "what's coming this month at the Arts Union..." sent to students, faculty, and the local community would be a good idea. (John and Peggy Hanson)

 

QUESTION 3. What do you feel are the biggest challenges facing the neighborhood related to the Arts Union?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Parking.  Where are the cars going to park?  It sounds like there will be a high level of activity over there.  Where are the faculty going to park?  Where are the visitors going to park?  There is already parking from Carleton going on in the neighborhood now – apparently connected with the building project.                                                                                                                                 The park is still a public park;  the public and neighbors should have first use.  Carleton should be considerate of the children.  Earlier, the school district wanted to turn the park into an athletic field but the state supreme court said they could not because it had been designated as a neighborhood park.  I opposed the school’s project then because it should be for the neighborhood.  I think it should remain so; I don’t want someone else deciding how the park should be used.  I’ve seen some students using the park at times when children wouldn’t be (when is too dark or cold) and I don’t have a problem with that.                                                                                                                                                                                          The building plans look like we might feel crowded by the building.  If they could at least set it back off of the park side, i.e., provide more setback than the current Building on the east side.  (Resident across from the park) 

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No opinion – I don’t know enough about what they could do.  (Resident across from the park)

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My concerns relate to safety for pedestrians and adequate parking for visitors.

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Again, as stated above, I feel differently than others about the modern metal addition proposed on the east side of the building - the world evolves, adapts and changes.  I think preserving the historic main building is appropriate and is being done.  And because this building is an Arts Union afterall, it deserves to have a bold, new-age, modern section to it.  The inside of the new space will be quite stiking, dramatic, and really wonderful.  A building is used for both the outside and inside.  I could imagine that having just the old building will not provide the needed space and variety of different spaces for the Arts Union.  Therefore, I strongly support the new addition.  If there are large events open to the community, parking will be an issue (vs. if an event was targeting mainly students, they would presumably be walking to the Arts Union).  I lived in Bloomington, Indiana for many years, connected to Indiana University.  At one of the studio art buildings for Indiana University, the students often would have to take large pieces of sculpture outside the building, on the parking lot, to create, paint, mold, build, etc.  In some cases, you could picture this really being necessary for ventilation and space needs.  The same would apply to the Carleton students - the Arts Union needs to provide the students with a safe, well-ventilated, clean and protected outdoor space for their creative process that won't be an eye sore for people walking on the sidewalks.

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Perhaps it is because we live somewhat further away from Central Park, but I don't see any immediate challenges that will impact us personally.

Parking for events and by students/faculity/staff in general already adds crowding to the neighborhood and the Art Union could make this even worse.

Central Park is a valued resource for many families in the neighborhood, especially those with young children. Overuse of the park by students, especially if there are uncontrolled problems with litter (there is already a problem with cigarette buts and broken glass bottles that neighborhood clean-up addresses) and alcohol/drugs could make the park unsafe or unwelcoming. The whole town depends upon the park space for such events as Northfield Arts Guild theater productions, and Books and Stars concerts, Defeat of Jesse James Days art fairs. We want to make sure that this remains true.

Excessive lighting on some Carleton properties, such as off-campus housing, adds unwelcome light pollution to the night sky, and, the Arts Union could make this worse.

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I believe there are three major, very consequential challenges to the neighborhood that need to be addressed.

a) The planned façade of the building is not at all compatible with or complementary to the architecture of 1) the older, early 1900s sections of the building and the 2) neighborhood residences. The “modern”, stark appearance of the addition strikes me an affront to older building. That need not be the case. We have good examples of additions to existing structures in this town that were compatible and enhanced the existing building and enhanced the area, e.g., the library. The solid brick north side of the old building is less compromised by the planed addition. While the incompatibility with the existing building is most grievous, the incompatibility of the planned architecture with the neighborhood is also an issue. The interior does not have any effect on the neighborhood. Thus, as a minimum, I think the design of the addition should be drastically modified on the east, south, and west side out of respect for the existing building and the surrounding neighborhood architecture. Since the north side of the old building is already solid brick and since the north side “neighbors” are Carleton buildings, that is less problematic for me as a near-by resident.

b) The lack of parking is a serious problem. Usually buildings located in a neighborhood would be required to provide enough parking for at least some of those working in the building (as the school did). Out of respect for the neighbors, I would have expected Carleton to do at least that much. Even that much would leave a void for parking of 1) students (the neighbors witness students living in our area every day who drive into Carleton; students living in other neighborhoods will certainly drive to this building) and 2) public event participants. While I wouldn’t expect Carleton to put in public parking on this property for large occasional events, to ignore the parking for students and those working in the building is not at all respectful of the neighbors. Parking was allowed on the south side of the building when Carleton obtained a permit but since that time the parking has been modified to prohibit on-street parking on the south side. I am not aware of any action by Carleton to address the change in parking on the street. Students and staff should not be allowed to park in the neighborhood. Perhaps they could be given permits to park on the streets north of the building that have only Carleton properties.

c) The use of the park is also a problem. I have registered this concern previously and I feel very strongly about it given my experiences. The park is already often used as a “playground” for some college students who live in the neighborhood. They often occupy the west end of the park for Frisbee. Children dare not use the diagonal sidewalks on the west end of the park for safety reasons when the students are playing Frisbee – but yet, the crosswalk for the children entering the park from the south is on the west end. The most grievous use of the park by students is their “playing” on the children’s playground equipment. I understand they may enjoy swinging and climbing on the bars but I have observed on several occasions their occupying this equipment with small children standing around “waiting” for a turn. The students seem to be totally oblivious to the fact that the children want to use it. Once I went over and stood very close to the bars with my grand-daughter and the three students on the bars didn’t acknowledge our presence and continued sit on top of the bars chatting. Carleton must make it clear that this is not their campus playground. Children should feel safe and comfortable going to and playing in the park. - a neighbor within a block.

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Challenges during re-building are safety for Park users. Traffic will be heavy and noisy with large trucks and equipment. Normal resident traffic will be impacted. (Corrine & Elvin Heiberg)

Since we have a young daughter, I want Central Park to always be a safe, comfortable place for her to play. In general, I like the idea of people of different ages and stages of life sharing the same space, and I think having more college students around won't be a bother. In my experience so far, Carleton students are respectful of and entertained by babies and kids. I hope children and parents feel that they "own" the park as much as they do now and continue to gather there and care for the place. I hope the Lien benches will stay put on the Southeast corner of Central park. We live in the old Lien house and Millie has talked to me about her and Elton's benches.

I wish the footprint of the building could be made smaller in the newer addition section, near College Street on the South side, so that it doesn't come so close to the sidewalk and it didn't ruin the view of the downtown buildings and beyond as you down 4th walk from the East. Could it go up another story instead of out so far? (Heidi Rubenstein)

Use of the park; see number 5. Parking seems like the other big challenge, along with some concerns over the increased “student corridor” feel of the streets leading from campus to the Arts Union. (Victoria Morse)

I think the biggest challenge relates to continued open dialogue between the College and other interests. I think communications are very good right now. (Matt and Sarah Forester)

1. The new section of the building is inappropriately designed for the historic setting in which it will reside for many years to come. Pardon me--I do realize this is someone’s “baby”--but frankly, it looks like a giant spaceship. Although we could just ignore it as in “A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” I think this would be a huge mistake.

Many good examples can be found of how to create new buildings that blend well with old ones and yet maintain a sense of contemporary flair. Carleton has accomplished this feat with excellent style in the past with its new construction. In this case, however, the exterior design of the proposed addition is a radical juxtaposition with its surroundings.

2. I am also concerned about light pollution, and I hope this will be mitigated by thoughtful attention to this important aspect. I would encourage the architects to do their research and come up with some creative and innovative solutions.

3. It is important how artistic freedom will be expressed. Artwork displayed outside of the building should be carefully monitored and must be appropriate for our youngest children who frequently use the park. It should be rated “G” artwork. Furthermore, sculptures would be natural places for kids to try climbing, and there is a playground nearby, after all. So it is important that those installed or stored (even temporarily) outside the building are safe to climb on or are carefully secured. (Anonymous)

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As noted above, I am concerned with the design of the new building. I think the current design is unattractive. I think any renovation should fit with the original structure as well as the surrounding neighborhood. I am greatly concerned about traffic and parking along the streets surrounding the Arts Union specifically Central Park. I strongly oppose increased on-street parking and/or increasing traffic in our neighborhood. It will detract from the athestics and safety of both Central Park and the surrounding area. Additionally, I am somewhat concerned about of a “take over” of Central Park by Carleton students during the school year as well as any intrusion on the park by an expanded building (either with building height or footprint).

Furthermore, I think there is a concern of Carleton’s continued encrouchment into the neighborhood. The Arts Union is another example of Carleton moving further and further out from its main campus into our neighborhood and that can feel threatening. There are many aspects of Carleton that enhance our not only our neighborhood, but our entire community; however, despite all the positives that Carleton brings, it does bring negatives and the east side of town bears an increased share of these burdens. We have seens blocks of house turned in admistrative offices, we have seen increased parking/traffic in front of our houses from students and staff, and we have seen single-family homes turned into delapitated rental properties overstuffed with college students. So, when the college movesfurtherinto the neighborhood – for whatever reason – it gets more and more difficult to feel welcoming.

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No major challenges from our point of view, but we live a ways away from the park. (John and Peggy Hanson)

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QUESTION 4. What would you like to see in the way of public programming associated with the Carleton Arts Union?

 

Question 4.  One suggestion for public programming would be to use the auditorium for cinema, available to the public on some sort of a regular basis.  (Susan and Mike Harper)

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See my answers to #3.  The park use should be kept for the community.  Students could use it at some times but be respectful. (Resident across from the park)

 

I have mentioned the need for film screenings in Northfield (above) and hope that this is under consideration in ways that include the town -- not just Carleton students, and Carleton-related residents in town.

Any or all of the following kinds of programming would be wonderful: summer programs for children, youth, families, and seniors; public lectures and/or demonstrations; performances and readings; and exhibitions. In addition, there is a dearth of public meeting spaces in Northfield. If there were the possibility for community groups to use Art Union space occasionally (from small gatherings such as writers groups or larger events) that would certainly be of help to the town, especially if the spaces had natural light and good accoustics.

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I would like to see programs that involve the children in the school system in some way but realize that would have budget and space implications. - a neighbor within a block.

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We’d like to see college performances frequently while being open to the public as well. We’d like to see community groups use the Arts Center similar to their using Skinner Memorial Chapel now. (Corrine & Elvin Heiberg)

The feature I am most excited about in the Arts Union is the Cinema Theater. I hope there are films shown there that are open to the public and of general interest. (Heidi Rubenstein)

Exhibits, talks, film showings, some events oriented towards or appropriate for children. (Victoria Morse)

I think that keeping Carleton's programs open to the public is sufficient public programming. It would be wonderful if there could be collaborations between the College and community organizations and schools in things like gallery exhibitions, etc. (Matt and Sarah Forester)

I would like to see Carleton art students having more interaction and volunteering within the Northfield community. Perhaps there could be an effort to create experiential learning opportunities involving people from different demographic groups. This would be good practice for the Carleton students since so many grants and artist residencies require a community involvement piece. (Anonymous)

I would enjoy programming that local residents could participate in or attend. I would love to see classes for adults and children in areas such as art, music, photography, dance, etc. Also, perhaps offering space for local artists to work would be valuable.

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See our response to item 2 above (John and Peggy Hanson)

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QUESTION  5. Please share your thoughts (both hopes and/or concerns) about how the re-development of the Middle School as the Carleton Arts Union might impact the use of Central Park. We invite you to also share specific suggestions relating to these concerns and hopes.

Question 5.  Central Park is beautiful, especially in Summer, but we think it's valued most for its playgrounds, and for the uses to which it's put by young families.  Should we worry that the park will be taken over by Carls, making it less hospitable for the little ones?  We're not sure, but we've heard some concern expressed about this. 

 

5.  I have a concern about how comfortable parents will be if the park has significant numbers of college age students among the small children.  Will parents be comfortable being able to keep track of their children in order to keep them safe?  Will the children be as free to run around and use the space freely as they do now?   If that is an issue, could Carleton do something to define the space where young children should feel free to explore and play?  I’m not suggesting anything like a high fence but something that defines the space that is designated for smaller children only. (Next to park with small children)

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When our children were younger, we frequently played at the park, either walking there or riding our bikes. I love having a neighborhood playground where we can mingle with neighbors and meet friends. This was especially nice since our former neighborhood in Eagan was dotted with each family’s playground equipment, which is definitely nice, but doesn’t foster the same sense of community. I prefer that the Arts Union remove the “modern” addition to the original brick building, and use that space as a landscaped buffer between the Arts Union and the park.

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 Please see above. It is vital that the park remain a true community resource, not something co-opted by the Art Union.

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Enhance rather than destroy Central Park and residential neighborhood. (Corrine & Elvin Heiberg)

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I answered this in question #3. (Heidi Rubenstein)

I am a bit concerned that the park as a place for families (especially families with small children) may get swamped by Carleton-related users, but it can’t possibly be worse than when it was the site of the Middle School PE classes. I would be delighted to see people who work in the building and students using the park for studying, eating lunch, and playing games, so long as the spaces for small children remain available and comfortable for families. There will need to be some care taken not to “double book” the space for a big Arts Union event and, say, a Books and Stars event in the park. I want the community to feel that the park is still available for bigger events without worrying that Carleton’s use of the site has already used up all the neighborhood’s good will over parking, crowds, added noise and the like. (Victoria Morse)

We hope that Central Park continues to be a place where the neighborhood and community gathers regularly. We don't anticipate that the Arts Union's redevelopment will have more of an impact on use of Central Park than when the building was used as a public school. (Matt and Sarah Forester)

I think it depends on how the Carleton students view the park. If they see it as “their” space, then there could be problems, but if they respect it as community space then there could be a fine balance and mutual benefit.

For my family, the park is a social gathering place—mostly for young people. Older children and teens go there in the summer in groups to play soccer, catch, kick ball, ultimate Frisbee, and other games. It would be a shame if Carleton students dominated this space, because these neighborhood kids need a safe place to socialize and engage in healthy activities. People also drive there from all over Northfield and the surrounding area to play with their younger children. It is probably among the most used parks in Northfield and deserves respect for its role in supporting community gatherings. (Anonymous)

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As noted above, my concerns mostly stem from worries about parking and traffic. I strongly believe an increase in either parking and/or traffic will detract greatly from the park and the neighborhood. I am also concerned about the negative impact a larger/taller building my have on the park as well as increased use of the park by college students. If there starts to be a lot of use of the park by college students the park will become less attractive for neighborhood families. College-aged students tend to use a slightly less than “G” rated vocabulary and can, especially in groups, be intimidating to families. I would love to see Carleton invest in Central park by providing the city with a grant or something to upgrade and/or expand the playground equipment to help reinforce this is a family/children’s park and not an extension of the Carleton campus.

Additionally, I hope that Carleton will address the parking situation by providing ample, out-of-site parking (perhaps underground) or parking restrictions. Additionally, I’d like to see landscaping done in a way that it would deter students and faculty from overtaking the park and draw them to the front (Union Street) of the building with benches and green space on that side of the buidling. Lastly, I hope the design of the new building does not detract or infringe upon from the park.

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Our favorite Park activities are Shakespeare in the Park and the summer concerts given by CVRO. Perhaps more such events? The playground should remain, as it is a valuable resource for young families in the area! Hopefully this will retain it's character as a true community park (John and Peggy Hanson)

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6.Add your own question: Feel free to add a question that you feel will engender constructive discussion about the Arts Union and/or its impact on the surrounding neighborhood. You can direct your question to the Project Planners at Carleton and ask them to answer it, or you can pose a question to all participants in this web-based discussion. You are also most welcome to provide your own answer to your question, as a way of getting discussion underway.

Question 6.  We have an additional question.  How can the Middle School building be used and developed  in the near future, i.e. until there's funding for the Arts Center?  An asset of that magnitude shouldn't sit idle, because idle buildings deteriorate.  Also, Carleton is in need of office and administrative space; we understand that sorely needed dormitory space is currently used for administrative functions, and many houses owned by Carleton are used for these purposes even though they are not efficient and would be better used for faculty residences or sold back to private parties.  Of course, we have no idea what the costs of converting parts of the Middle School to such uses would be; however, we applaud the Trustee's decision to look into temporary uses, and we hope that the Middle School can be used productively.  (Susan and Mike Harper) 

Why does the proposed plan incorporate the two disjointed designs of the existing building? (Currently I think the beautiful historic brick building looks like it has an odd growth on it’s east side.) I wish the current plan would rather blend the building into one design rather than emphasize the disparity of design.  Since this is an historic neighborhood, I propose that the entire design reflect the traditional architecture of the original building – or eliminate the addition, as proposed earlier, and use the space for additional landscaping and outdoor seating.

 

 

How is Carleton planning to ameliorate the already congested parking situation in this area of Northfield? For example, is underground parking being discussed?

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What public programs are feasible for Carleton given space and budget limitations? Because this building is not in the middle of a campus but in the middle of a neighborhood, what is the architect’s solution to the effects of the large areas of glass on a) the reflections likely for those using the park in the mornings? the reflections likely for residents living across the streets at other times of the day? and b) on light pollution for the neighborhood of the interior lighting? What are Carleton's plans regarding parking? . - a neighbor within a block.

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The auditorium stage should be enlarged to utilize it fully for large musical or theatrical production. Could community groups use it when more space is required? Could community groups use the gym?

The original chandelier is now in the middle school museum. It was removed when the School District owned the building. It is a centerpiece of the School Museum and must remain there.

Security lights must be subdued so they will be less intrusive to neighbors.

Street parking will continue as it does now. (Corrine & Elvin Heiberg)

NONE Thanks for sending out this survey!, Heidi Rubenstein, 703 4th St E

645-5385 (Heidi Rubenstein)

NONE (Victoria Morse)

 

Thank you for your participation in this discussion and the wider planning process that it informs.

I have concerns about how they are going to solve the parking problem created by a facility that is used for more than classes and studio work.  If they plan to build a parking lot or ramp, I don’t want it next to me.  I don’t think that if it were just classes or studios that it would create a parking problem but if activities involve the public and community events then it does create a traffic and parking problem.  Carleton has always been a good neighbor to me, but the parking question is of greatest concern to me. (Neighbor on Union St.)

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