Sartell Highlights Growth, Healthy Finances During State of the City

(KNSI) – Sartell is focusing on keeping its finances in good health and preparing for future growth.

That was the message from Mayor Ryan Fitzthum during the State of City Address on Tuesday afternoon. He emphasized the city’s recently passed tax rate, which will remain flat again this year. Sartell residents should only see their taxes increase if their home value goes up. Mayor Fitzthum talked exclusively with KNSI News after the address and explained the next steps in developing the former paper mill site. “Right now, we’re going through and finishing up some of the soil testing there to understand what’s underground, and then be able to market that out. The city and council are working on developing design standards and really creating a vision for that property.”

Sartell expects to have the vision done by December or January. Bids would go out in early 2024. Residents can expect to see substantial construction starting in 2025.

Jake Judd (KNSI)

Fitzthum says there’s endless potential with the 57-acre property along the Mississippi River. “This site, what’s unique about it is you can drive, walk, bike, and boat to the site, which is really cool. And so, we think there’s an element of multifamily [housing] that’ll be on-site there. We expect there to be a lot of recreational amenities.”

The city has plans for green space, a pier or a dock, bike paths, a brewery or distillery, and a curling club.

The city purchased the land in June after nearly ten years of negotiating with a Canadian company, which owned the site and dismantled the old factory for scrap metal.

Fitzthum also highlighted the development in the River Crossing district off Highway 15. An Aldi grocery store will open this fall, and in the last year Chipotle, Mister Carwash and Starbucks have opened in the area. The city is trying to focus on chain companies in the Highway 15 corridor and develop local businesses in the heart of the city along Pinecone Road.

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