The purpose of this case is to review a conceptual site plan for a potential development in The COR on land owned by the City. 

The City has been approached by a developer interested in a project in Ramsey.  The Developer is requesting some high level site selection and site layout feedback. This step is an optional step in the process as a precursor to the City's Purchase Agreement process. This phase is intended to ensure alignment between the Planning Commission, Economic Development Authority (EDA), and City Council in an attempt to avoid project coordination issues with future steps. 

Note that this proposal is the same site as a potential hotel discussed at the last meeting. Both prospects only need half of this site, making for a great opportunity to approve two projects simultaneously. 

Notification is not required. 

The project is being proposed as a stand-alone Salon/Spa. The Developer is considering a portion of the parcel located on the south side of Sunwood Drive between Stonebrook Academy and Northstar Marketplace (Coborns-Anchored Retail Center). The site is currently guided for retail in The COR Zoning District.  The Developer would like to develop the western half of the site

The project only needs about half of the parcel. Staff has been having internal discussions about preferred sites, and is generally comfortable with either. If the project develops of the western side of the lot, staff is recommending the an access off of Zeolite line up with Coborn's entrance and the the access off of Veterans Drive be as far east as possible.  Preliminary concepts seem to show a lot of parking but that item would be addressed within the site plan / PA process.

Eastern Half of Parcel

• The site is generally flat and square
• The site contains a public well, which would allow parking, but not building within a 50 foot radius
• There are minimal encumbrances to the parcel
• There are previous environmental findings (soil) that have been mitigated, but continue to show up in environmental reports

Western Half of Parcel

• The site is generally flat but not square
• The site contains a public well, which would allow parking, but not building within a 50 foot radius
• There are minimal encumbrances to the parcel
• There are previous environmental findings (soil) that have been mitigated, but continue to show up in environmental reports

This case is being handled as part of normal Staff duties. 

Staff believes this is a worthy project for this parcel, and is generally comfortable with either alternative site selection. The intent for this discussion is high level; does the EDA desire this project to get to the finish line? If so, Staff will chart out the necessary approval process moving forward. This is not intended to be an exhaustive site plan review. 

No action requested. Staff is seeking direction if the EDA has a preference for site location or would like to recommend eliminating either site from consideration.