Posted by Boua Xiong
What happens at the Bayfront District Small Area meeting could dramatically change what happens out at Bayfront.
With the purchase of the old LaFarge cement terminal by a private developer the city of Duluth is picking up a conversation that started years ago.
"Previous studies for the city of Bayfront District have all come up with a mixture of uses. Retail, recreational, residential, marina type uses," John Judd, a senior planner for the city said.
But to get to any of that the city must first re-zone the area. Currently Bayfront is zoned as industrial. With the purchase of LaFarge the city can potentially make it a commercial zone.
At Wednesday’s public meeting people came to share their opinions on what they believe is the best use of the land. LaFarge's buyer, Alessandro Giuliani was not at the meeting. However Giuliani's realtor, Sandy Hoff, said Giuliani is waiting to announce development details.
"He is looking to hear what the community's feedback is…how they would like to see the property developed. Not just the LaFarge property but all the DEDA land along the waterfront," Hoff said.
Those currently along the waterfront are also closely watching the development.
"We understand that there is obviously a large swell of interest in developing this area. It is on the edge of development
and if it's done right it might just be able to work fine,” Jim Sharrow of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority said.
The next public meeting for the Bayfront District Small Area Plan is in January.
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