Updates: Old City Hall Development (data center), Nordvick Property Demolition, Kuro Fitness RLF, 6701 Highway 10, Windsorwood Sale, 8019 146th Ave.

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Old City Hall Development (data center)
The EDA and City Council have expressed interest in developing the old municipal center site, 15153 Nowthen Boulevard ("Subject Property") for a data center user(s).  The City is partnering with Connexus Energy to pursue this development opportunity.

As part of this effort, Staff was directed to complete the State's Shovel Ready program; which is anticipated for completion come spring/early summer.  Moving forward, the City will be considering a cost/benefit analysis of various development scenarios and what zoning regulations the City should consider for the Subject Property.  To aid this process, Staff has ordered development scenario sketch plans.  The City expects to receive said plans in the next two weeks.  NOTE: options will include a single family residential development.

Attached to this case is an article recently published in the Business Journal regarding data centers: "Promise of Data Center Building Boom is Sputtering."  2012 EDA Chair Riley recommends the EDA review said article.

8020 147th Ave, Building Demolition
The EDA purchased the property located at 8020 147th Avenue, known as the Nordvick Property ("Subject Property"), in the spring of 2012.  A portion of the Subject property was dedicated as right of way for the realignment of Armstrong Boulevard.  About one acre of developable land remains.

The Subject Property contained two structures, a parking lot and a number of other improvements.  The EDA ordered buildings on the Subject Property to be demolished and the site to be cleaned for future development at the October EDA meeting.

Besides seeding, demolition and cleanup of the Subject Property is complete.  Staff is working with the project contractor to make sure said work is completed.  More updates will be provided as information is available. 

At the November EDA meeting, it was decided to consider future development of the Subject Property in conjunction with surrounding parcels, as the City will likely attain adjacent properties.  Staff will bring forward a case regarding the future development of this parcel at the February EDA meeting.

Kuro Fitness RLF
The EDA and City Council approved an EDA Revolving Loan Application for Kuro Fitness in November.  Staff is working with the RLF applicant to close the approved said loan.  This process is on hold until Kuro Fitness is open and Staff has an opportunity to inventory collateral.  It's anticipated the store will open and the City's loan will be closed in the coming weeks.

6701 Highway, For Lease
As part of the effort to realign Highway 10, the State enabled Cities to purchase properties located in future right of way with Revolving Acquisition Loan Fund (RALF) dollars.  The City of Ramsey owns a number of RALF properties along the north side of Highway 10.  One of those properties is 6701 Highway 10, known as Youth First building ("Subject Property").

The Subject Property contains a two small retail spaces (front) and a large cold storage facility (rear).  The front of the Subject property is rented by Youth First Community of Promise and Northern Light Church.  The rear cold storage portion of the property has remained vacant since October of 2012.

A prospect the City was working with to rent the rear of 6701 has recently gone cold.  Staff is placing a real estate banner on the Subject Property and updating various online listings.

Private Property Purchase (City), 8019 146th Ave
The City recently attained a signed purchase agreement for the property located at 8019 146th Ave.  Said property is being purchased by the City for the future right of way (ROW) of Armstrong Boulevard.  The City Council will be reviewing said purchase agreement in the coming weeks.  More updates to come.

City Owned Land Sale, Windsorwood
As part of the Council's 2011 and 2012 strategic planning process, developing an inventory of surplus City owned land was identified as a priority. A parcel located at 178th Ave and Vicuna St, known as the Windsorwood property, was identified as surplus City owned land ("Subject Property").

With Council direction, Staff has worked with nearby property owners to negotiate a sale of the Subject Property. The Council will be considering an offer of $40,000 from David Pomroy to purchase the Subject Property at the January 8 City Council Meeting. 

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