Improving the Image of Ramsey Along the Hwy 10 Corridor Plan (Presentation)

This case is an informational item.  The City Council met on February 10, 2026 work session to gain consensus on a plan to improve the image of Ramsey on the Hwy 10 Corridor. 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 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 informational item.  The project will include mailed and in-person notifications to businesses before enforcement begins if adopted by the City Council on March 10, 2026.  

Consensus was reached by the City Council at the March work session to adopt a plan and to send a letter to the businesses and landowners in the corridor identifying the process for proactive code enforcement.  Attached to this case is the Draft Plan and Draft letter that the Council will be reviewing and considering approval at the March 10 City Council Meeting.  It is possible that the Draft Plan could be modified or not adopted at the City Council meeting but staff hs shared the documents being presented to the Council for Action.  If adopted, the entire process will likely take a number 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.).  

This is not an action item, it is informational.  Planning Manager Todd Larson will provide a brief presentation outlining the Enforcement Plan and communication with impacted parties.  

Implementation of 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.  When appropriate, EDA Staff will work with business owners / landowners to access EDA city, state and federal programs and grants. It should be noted that most of the EDA programs are targeted for new construction, redevelopment, significant renovations, creation of jobs and tax base.  

No action is needed; informational item