employment opportunities within Sartell. REDEVELOPING THE FORMER PAPER MILL SITE Over the past few years, Sartell has faced numerous challenges, notably losing its largest employer. The paper mill significantly impacted the community’s economic stability, necessitating a shift in focus on the city’s development and adaptation strategies.One of the primary challenges has been redeveloping the former paper mill site, a massive property that lay barren and underutilized after the mill’s destruction. Anita Archambeau, Consultant for city projects, adds that the former paper mill’s physical space, once a bustling industrial site, now presents both a challenge and an opportunity for redevelopment. Since purchasing the property in 2023, the city has been working on a comprehensive community planning process. The redevelopment strategy focuses on creating a mixed-use area that integrates both passive and active uses, emphasizing the site’s historical significance and proximity to the Mississippi River. The plan includes developing a Riverwalk Trail and leveraging the existing pedestrian bridge that once served as the primary driving bridge into Sartell. Anna Gruber, City Administrator, discusses the phased approach to redevelopment. Phase One will focus on public amenities and recreational access, prioritizing getting people back on the site for recreational purposes while broader development plans continue. The redevelopment plan for the former paper mill site is crucial in addressing some of Sartell’s recent challenges. However, the cost of infrastructure remains a significant hurdle. The city actively seeks grants and other funding opportunities to mitigate these costs and support the development. HOUSING MARKET DYNAMICS The housing market in Sartell has experienced various shifts over the past few years. While the development of single-family homes has slowed, there has been a significant increase in the infill of vacant lots recently. The developments, primarily from five to ten years ago, are growing, with many 134 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07
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