Improve the Image of Ramsey Along the Highway 10 Corridor Discussion

Improving the image of Ramsey in the Highway 10 corridor was identified as one of the Council's strategic goals.  For decades, impending improvements to Highway 10 have been seen with optimism as well as uncertainty.  As concept designs changed while funding was not achieved, properties along the corridor, mostly businesses, were left with questions about the investments that they want to make.  For many years, the thought was that the highway would be relocated adjacent to the railroad tracks, eliminating dozens of businesses and some homes.  Properties in this area were essentially seen as temporary.  New construction was not encouraged, and with RALF properties were not allowed, and typical site improvement standards were relaxed since taxpayer dollars would be used to acquire these properties....someday.  The City worked with the Metropolitan Council's Right-of-way Acquisition Loan Fund (RALF) to acquire properties for future Hwy 10 right of way as they became available. 

Eventually, a tight design that included a concrete barrier median, roundabouts, and frontage roads was created that greatly minimized the need to acquire properties.  Many properties that were once thought to be "total takings" for the highway were spared and many of these properties spent decades deferring maintenance.  Some businesses were also approved with the understanding that permanent site improvements were required upon completion of the highway project. 

Now that the "Ramsey Gateway" project is essentially finished (some fencing, landscaping, and restoration activities will continue into the spring), the Council has expressed a desire to make this "gateway" a welcoming, attractive, and positive reflection of Ramsey.  Code Enforcement staff has put together a proactive plan for working with every property owner to bring buildings and sites into compliance with maintenance codes (IPMC) or their original conditional use permit (CUP)/site plan review, if one exists.  Economic Development staff will also provide technical assistance to businesses seeking funding or financing options for improvements to their sites, should an existing program (City, County, or State) be available for their needs.  

Future
Future steps in improving the corridor could include providing municipal water and sanitary sewer access should that help existing businesses reinvest, expand, maximize site development or attract new businesses.  The lack of municipal services hinders commercial development in many situations due to fire protection, water consumption, and heavy sanitary waste production—especially with restaurants.

None for this discussion.  The project will include several mailed and in-person notifications to businesses before enforcement begins.  

The entire process will likely take a couple of years.  It will take several months to meet the various businesses and property owners initially, work with them on assessing conditions, and work out timelines for improving properties.  Then, the businesses and property owners will need a reasonable amount of time to make the identified improvements, especially if the improvements need warm weather (painting, paving, etc.).  

The proactive plan will be conducted within the course of staff's daily duties.  No additional staff are needed and workload will be adjusted as other complaints come in and need attention.  Some improvement projects may qualify for some existing City assistance programs.  

Please provide feedback on the proposed plan and provide direction for any other improvements the Council sees appropriate.

No formal action is required to begin the process, though consensus is sought as proactive area-wide code enforcement has not been the historical operational direction of the Council—complaint-based response has been the norm.