Discuss & Adopt ‘Statement of Goals’ for the Area near the 167th Avenue and Saint Francis Boulevard (TH 47)
 

Case Background-
The retail node located at the intersection of 167 Ave and Trunk Highway 47 is the focus of this discussion.  The purpose of this case is to discuss and adopt a proposed policy, which outlines the City’s position regarding the future development of the 167^th retail node.  The proposed policy is known as a “Statement of Goals.”  This policy has been reviewed revised by the EDA and Planning Commission a number of times since July.

Purpose of Case-
Discuss, amend and adopt the attached “Statement of Goals” document. 

Detailed Background-
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.  In early 2013, the City 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.
 
The EDA, Planning Commission, and City Council have expressed interest in addressing the 167/47 Node.  As a result, the EDA drafted a policy to guide the City’s position on the future development of 167/47 Node—known as a “Statement of Goals."  This policy has been reviewed revised by the EDA and Planning Commission a number of times since July.

This Statement of Goals identifies 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 development 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.

Notification is not required for this topic at this time.

Attached to this case is:
Proposed 'Statement of Goals'
Public input process summary
Property owners' meeting notes
Multiple reference maps

 

Regular Staff duties.

Staff Recommendation: approval of the proposed “Statement of Goals.”

Staff Comments: by approving the proposed Statement of Goals, Staff will have clear and consistent direction to provide prospect businesses and developers; and, it will put Staff in a stronger position to respond to inquires and questions received from the public and business/property owners.  Additionally, it will provide a comprehensive framework--in which the EDA and the Economic Development Manager can work within as they attempt to facilitate positive change in the 167/47 Node.

Motion to adopt the “Statement of Goals” for the 167/47 Node.

--or--

Motion to not adopt the “Statement of Goals” for the 167/47 Node.