Discuss Planning Process for the Lake Feature in The COR

As the Commission is aware, the official Development Plan for The COR (Center of Ramsey) has seen regular, minor amendments; reflecting land sales, improvements to the transportation system, market realities and refinements to the park, trail and open space system within this approximate 400-acre, pedestrian and transit orientated, master-planned development.

One of the refinements to the vision for the park and open space aspects of The COR in recent years, was the elimination of the westerly 'swoosh' park, which was a mirror image of The Draw from the west edge of the existing park - to Armstrong Boulevard.  Generally in its place within the Development Plan 6.0 (attached) is a proposed lake feature sometimes referred to as 'Lake Ramsey' or 'Lake Ramsey Commons'. 

A summary of the above change is due to four primary factors (no order);

• A mirrored park to The Draw may be somewhat redundant park programming (aside from maintaining an east/west 'green' connection throughout The COR.
• Reconfiguring the proposed land uses in the manner shown in Development Plan 6.0 may provide better marketing for an anchor retailer - which furthers the marketability for land sales in The COR.
• The overall grading plan for The COR is predicated upon significant cuts and fill (dirt) to make grade-ready all the various lots and parcels in the larger development; (meaning the fill from the lake excavation is required to avoid costly importation of fill).
• The City of Ramsey does not presently have any recreational urban-type lakes (what few lakes there are in Ramsey are technically shallow water wetlands).  Additionally, the myriad of recreation and open space options potentially associated with this type of 'lake feature' may only be successful with the creation of the proposed lake.

The purpose of this case is to initiate community planning for the proposed lake and the private and public open space associated with it. Staff proposes the kick-off of the public process on March 13, 2014.

The City has been utilizing a citizen-driven, collaborative process for several projects over the past year with great success. These community conversations are intended to provide an opportunity for the community to be part of the policy development as the first step in policy analysis, as opposed to the traditional reactionary role. The City will frame the policy question, with participants being the focus of preparation and discussion. The City will provide resources for participants to analyze the policy question, which is kicked off by an initial scoping meeting. Specific sub-topics are selected by participants. From there, the remaining process is designed around the output of the initial kick-off process.

Attached as a beginning point in the public process of ideation for the lake and surrounding private and public green spaces are amenities and treatments other communities have developed in similar urban environments. These and other examples of the interface between the lake and adjoining land uses will be made a part of the public progression for park planning - that are intended to further the creative process for this important endeavor. This 'Resource Library' is an important component of the success of the collaborative process, providing examples and information to hold a successful conversation.

None required at this time.

Consensus acknowledgment that Staff will be advertising and arranging the first of several or more public forums to guide and inform City Council, Commissions and Staff as to what the community's expectations are for recreation and open space within The COR.

or -

Based upon discussion.