PLANNING COMMISSION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA): Review Status and Schedule of Small Area Land Use Planning Projects
 

• 15153 Nowthen Boulevard NW (Former Municipal Center/Current Fire Station #2)
• 167th Avenue Node at Saint Francis Boulevard NW (Trunk Highway #47)
• Armstrong West (Future Business Park/Retail Area)

(Anticipated Start Time = 9:00 p.m.)

The purpose of this case is to update the City Council, Planning Commission, and Economic Development Authority (EDA) as to the schedule and update on the projects noted above. Detailed analysis of each is included in the attached Project Summaries.

15153 Nowthen Boulevard: Former Municipal Center/Current Fire Station #2
The City is reviewing acceptable land uses for the former municipal center, which was vacated in 2006 as the municipal center. The site still currently operates as Fire Station #2.

The City is considering two general development scenarios for the Subject Property: data center and single family residential. The City completed a feasibility study on said development scenarios in February 2013 (which included site concept maps); and, a public open house in April 2013. At that time, the City Council directed Staff to open a public process and study group. The intent of this case is to update the group as to the status of that direction. Please see the attached Project Summary for more information.

167th Avenue Node at Saint Francis Boulevard

For a number of years, the City has been asked to respond to a number of land use and zoning amendment questions related to this retail node. The area is currently experiencing a high vacancy rate and deteriorating building conditions. NOTE: a recent sale has recently occurred on the former grocery store building. Although an end-user has not been identified, the new owner is making upgrades to make the site presentable for perspective tenants.

The Planning Commission and EDA have been collaborating on a Statement of Goals as well as a Public Process to reach out to impacted stakeholders and neighbors. The intent of the Statement of Goals is assist Staff in responding to the City's policy position as it relates to the area. 

The public process was held on September 26, 2013. The purpose of this topic report is to briefly update the group as to the findings of that process and review future project schedules. Attached to this case is a Project Summary for more detailed information.

Armstrong West

In 2012, the Ramsey Economic Development Authority (EDA) and City Council identified a shortage existed in property available for development by businesses in Ramsey (outside of The COR). As a result, the Ramsey EDA and Council identified securing a future "Business Park" location as a strategic priority in early 2013. Through preliminary analysis, the EDA has been focusing on the area west of Armstrong Boulevard and north of Highway 10.

The purpose of this case is to review the proposed public input process and review the upcoming project schedule. Please see the attached Project Summary for detailed information.

Please see the attached Schedule of Activities for detail timeframes for each project.

The small area planning activities are being handled as part of normal Staff duties.

The responsible parties for the small area plans are the Community Development Department (Development Services Manager) and Administrative Services (Assistant to the City Administrator)_.

The desired outcome of this topic report is to receive an update on current activities and future schedules for the three (3) small area plans. Staff also desires general feedback on the format and schedules for these projects.