Consider Recommendation from Economic Development Authority (EDA) for Area Near 167th Avenue and Saint Francis Boulevard (TH 47)

The retail node located at 167th Avenue and Trunk Highway 47 has been a topic of discussion with City Councils and EDA boards for several years ("167/47 Node"). The 167/47 Node has struggled to become economically viable for some time, is experiencing high vacancy rates, an increase of blighted building conditions, and escalating crime.
 
The City has received a significant number of inquiries from property and business owners located in the 167/47 Node from 2012 to 2013 requesting assistance to help correct a market failure.
 
Additionally, the City of Ramsey owns an inventory of real property located adjacent to the 167/47 Node totaling 16.52 acres.  Said property was identified as surplus City owned land in 2012 and is available for sale.

Recently, the City has responded to two (2) requests for a zoning amendment to expand the list of permitted and conditional uses. These uses included an indoor shooting range and warehousing/distribution user.
 
Both the EDA, Planning Commission, and City Council have expressed interest in addressing the 167/47 Node.

The EDA met on July 18, 2013 to review the attached policy to guide Staff review on inquiries related to this node. A copy of that agenda is attached for your review. At that meeting, the EDA requested that Staff work with the Planning Commission on the land use component of the policy and seek assistance from the Planning Commission to facilitate a public input process related to the land use component of the node. Minutes from that EDA Meeting are not yet available.

The purpose of the policy is to guide City participation in the redevelopment of the 167/47 Node; and, specifically identify a common goal, vision, working parameters and a process to garner public input.
 
The desired outcome of this document is to develop a clear, consistent, transparent and fair process the City, prospective developers, property owners and Staff can rely on as proposals are received.  The Ramsey Economic Development Authority (EDA) shall represent the City of Ramsey in relation to the 167/47 Node by utilizing this document.

Specific content of the policy is attached for review. The areas highlighted in yellow were the primary focus for discussion with the EDA. Staff is seeking feedback from the Planning Commission specific to land use aspects as well as facilitation of a public input process.

No notification is required at this time. The EDA did host a business owner stakeholder input session earlier this summer. The EDA recommends reaching out to the adjacent property owners of the area to review what alternative uses may be compatible with the surrounding area that balances the desire to address the vacancy rate of the commercial center.

Please see the attached document for specific content.

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

Staff recommends adoption of the attached policy as is. Furthermore, Staff recommends that the Planning Commission host one (1) Open House to gather input on the area and the creation of a project webpage and online public input forum.

Motion to recommend that the City Council adopt the attached policy and direct Staff to coordinate one (1) Open House to gather input on the area and the creation of a project webpage and online public input forum.