Nick Novitsky has served on the Columbia Heights City Council since 2017.
Why are you running for city council?
To serve the community and keep common sense in government. Party politicians are getting too involved in running their parties’ agendas. I listen to all viewpoints and don’t listen to a party agenda.
What have you learned about the city council?
It’s about doing the right thing. If you are confident in your decisions, you’ll do the right thing for the community. You’re not going to make everybody happy.
Do you think the 2023 city budget takes sufficient account of inflation costs for the next year?
Yes. We made sure everything’s covered. We’re asking for a tax increase, which has a lot to do with workers’ compensation, and all of our employee’s salaries have been brought up to the right level. We were not going to do a compensation study and then not take care of them. Otherwise, it’s a leaner budget.
Does the city have resources to assist residents who might have to relocate because of double-digit rent increases?
The city has no direct help for renters. Pricing is done at a different level, and metrics are out of control.
How might the city assist in the creation of more affordable housing?
Section 42 workforce housing is being built right now behind the Public Service Building. That’s 62 affordable units. We don’t know what the plans are for the Rainbow Foods/Hy-Vee site; it will probably be market rate housing.
The city has removed the ash trees on public property. What, if anything, is being done about ash trees on private property?
The city has teamed up with Rainbow Tree Care, which offers residents a 25% discount to remove their ash trees. It’s better to get them out before they die.
What would be the best use for the former Fairview-Columbia Park Clinic building at 4000 Central?
It’s not city-owned property, so I can’t really dictate what’s in there. I would be happy to have anything in there. I’m always open to new proposals.
What should be done about redeveloping the empty strip mall on 37th and Stinson?
You mean the Unique Thrift space? Something’s in the works, but I haven’t seen any projects yet. Our economic development team is being very proactive in getting developers more interested in our city.
Please list the top three issues you think need to be addressed in Columbia Heights.
1. Communication. Our city has done a lot to increase communications with residents. We need to do more to let them know what’s going on. 2. Having a fully staffed police force – that’s a good thing. 3. Maintaining our infrastructure.
What do you think are the Columbia Heights community’s strengths, and as a council member, how can you leverage them?
We have very passionate, involved groups in our city, and they keep it peaceful and productive. Our staff is great – we realigned their compensation package so it’s more competitive. They provide services and energy to our residents. We have 13 great parks that are used by many diverse people.
How do you plan on engaging members of the community, especially those who do not speak English?
It’s about getting people to work together. One of things we did was a community cleanup—Adopt A Highway. That’s been running for eight years now, and it’s turned into five different groups helping out. In any group I’m in, we try to get everybody involved. I reach out to community members when I need somebody to speak Spanish or Somali.
What needs to be done to reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries along Central Avenue?
People need to slow down. We need better lighting. Pedestrians and bicyclists need to have better awareness of the traffic. Everybody has a part in this.
Coverage for all Columbia Heights City Council candidates can be found at these respective links: Rachel James, John Murzyn, Nick Novitsky, and Justice Spriggs.
Below: Nick Novitsky (Provided photo)
