Consider Preliminary Plat and Site Plan of Affinity at Ramsey (Project No.17-142); Case of Inland Group

The purpose of this case is to review an application for preliminary plat and site plan approval of Affinity at Ramsey, a one hundred and seventy-four (174) unit apartment development on the property generally located at the southwest corner of Center Street and Ramsey Parkway. The Developer, Inland Group of Spokane, Washington, is focusing this development on ages 55+.  The parcel is legally described as Outlot Q, Ramsey Town Center Addition, Anoka County, Minnesota.

The Planning Commission held a public hearing at its February 2, 2018 meeting.  Staff attempted to notify all Property Owners within 700 feet of the Subject Property of the Preliminary Plat and Site Plan review.

Generally speaking, the proposed 174 unit apartment development appears to comply with the COR-1 downtown zoning requirements as outlined in the staff review memos.

The City Council approved by resolution at its January 2018 meeting the proposed sketch site plan. However as part of that approval the City Council did request that a 3D rendering be provided of the building facade along Ramsey Parkway to better understand those architectural features and how they would relate to the public realm along the parkway. The Applicant has provided those 3D renderings for consideration and they have been included as part of this case.

Alternatives

Alternative 1: Adopt Resolution #18-032 approving the requested Preliminary Plat of Affinity at Ramsey and adopt Resolution #18-033 approving the requested site plan for Affinity at Ramsey.  The proposed project appears to comply with the bulk standards of The COR Design Framework and the proposed use would be an asset to the COR development as well as the City of Ramsey. In addition, the City Council approved by resolution the sketch plan associated with the project. Staff is supportive of this alternative contingent upon compliance with the Staff Review Letter.

Alternative 2: Deny the Preliminary Plat and Site Plan as currently requested. If the City Council desires to deny it should clearly state its findings for the denial and direct staff to prepare a resolution outlining those findings of fact.  As previously noted, the proposed project appears consistent with the provisions of City Code and The COR Design Framework. Staff does not support this alternative.

All costs associated with processing the Application are the responsibility of the Applicant.

Staff recommends approval of Resolution #18-032 granting Preliminary Plat approval of Affinity at Ramsey and approval of Resolution #18-033 granting Site Plan approval of Affinity at Ramsey.

Motion to adopt Resolution #18-032 granting Preliminary Plat approval of Affinity at Ramsey and adopt Resolution #18-033 granting Site Plan approval of Affinity at Ramsey.