Consider Sporting Retail Concept on Sunwood Drive

The development team has been approached and has worked for the last couple weeks with an established sporting retailer on a concept for a development on Sunwood Drive between the Suite Living site and Northstar marketplace.

The concept would include several sales/retail components, but would also include a substantial range facility for both firearms and archery users.  Previous efforts on a similar but smaller facility were considered last year, but ultimately were directed outside The COR for economic reasons. Ultimately that user failed to complete the project. Several conversations with exhibitors at Game Fair supports the use in the area, one current Ramsey business in particular has expressed interest in the facility as an alternative to relocation outside the city.

The currently proposed user has prepared some simple concepts which will be refined before the meeting and presented in a work session environment for the HRA's comment, input, and direction prior to proceeding with any further planning. This user has expressed specific interest in the subject parcel, and to be part of the development activity in this area.

This user will be building a new facility in the spring.  He had been approached in 2009 on the project (then RTC) but didn't feel the project was ready for development. He is now prepared to work over the fall and winter to complete a deal in The COR.

The development team recommends the HRA consider the proposed concept and provides direction and input on this use, location, and development option.

No action required, provide direction.