Sartell City Council Receives Results of Verso Paper Mill Vision Survey

(KNSI) — The Sartell City Council received a presentation during a special workshop on Monday night on a vision survey to determine the future of the Verso Paper Mill site.

Consultant Anita Archambeau says 777 respondents from the general public, council members, and over 60 community stakeholders generally agree on their vision for the land. “I’m not totally surprised. I mean, there’s been long conversations about what should go on that property, what people want to see on their property, and really from an amenity perspective, what the public would like. And that really came out loud and clear through the survey.”

The existing buildings on the land will be repurposed along with mixed-use structures anchored by retail space, bars, and restaurants to create a unique atmosphere. Archambeau stopped short of calling it a downtown, though. She says, “I think what we’re looking for here is a community. A community that has a mix of uses, opportunities for open space, and public and private recreational uses. Some might call that a neighborhood. Some might call that central business district.”

There will be trails, park land, and other recreational amenities with the Mississippi River playing a feature role with a marina to welcome boaters. Another feature that still needs to be worked out is how to integrate the BNSF railline that borders the property to the east.

Archambeau says the main development is only about 26 acres, where the main mill structure used to stand. Stretching to the north towards the dam and south towards Highway 15 are narrow parcels and will include mostly trails but several members of the council talked about the possibility for multifamily buildings like townhouses.

The final visioning plan is expected late this year or early 2024.

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