FOR DISCUSSION AND UPDATE ONLY: Consider Authorizing Staff to Prepare Ordinance for Highway Interchange Sign Overlay District

The City of Ramsey has been active in completing a design for the future Armstrong Boulevard Interchange at U.S. Highway 10. The project involves converting the existing at-grade, signalized intersection to a grade-separated interchange. The grade separation will bring Armstrong Boulevard vertically over the Burlington Northern Santa Fe heavy freight rail line and U.S. Highway 10. A copy of the preferred alignment is attached for review, along with some visual exhibits.

The grade-separated interchange will impact the viewshed and visibility of existing parcels. As a majority of the parcels along U.S. Highway 10 at Armstrong Boulevard or business/retail land uses, many Owners within the area have expressed concern with the reduction in visibility to their parcels and buildings. The City has attempted to mitigate some of these concerns with the planning of the Riverdale Drive extension (see attached exhibit).

In addition, as part of the public input process for reviewing the interchange, the City has been reviewing other options, such as additional height allowances for signage for those parcels adjacent to the interchange. Similar to other area communities' examples, Staff will likely suggest the implementation of an overlay district for certain areas surrounding the interchange.

The discussion this evening is to introduce the topic; not approve an ordinance change. As the environmental review process completes and final design is commenced, many Owners have asked in regards to the status of the ordinance change. This discussion topic is intended to provide direction and provide indication to these Owners that the City is moving forward to potential implementation.