Approve Temporary Easement By and Between the City of Ramsey and GS Land, LLC for Lot 25, Harvest Estates Located at 15153 Nowthen Blvd. NW; Case of GS Land, LLC

GS Land, LLC has requested use of the existing parking lot at the former municipal center located at 15153 Nowthen Blvd. NW for staging and construction of Harvest Estates Phase I consisting of 32 detached single-family lots. The City Council previously approved the plat.

Upon completion of final construction plans, GS Land, LLC has determined that it is necessary to impact the main parking lot (upper) of the former municipal center. Broadly speaking, the impacts consist of the following:

1. Staging of equipment and materials related to the construction of Harvest Estates Phase I in the main parking lot (upper) and access from Nowthen Boulevard
2. Demolition of a portion of the main parking lot (upper) to accomplish final grade for Phase I located within Phase II
3. Extension and relocation of utilities impacting Police Department parking lot to ensure continuous sanitary sewer and water to existing buildings

Notification is not required. Staff has informed impacted tenants of the site as well as the Contractor for Fire Station No. 2.

Preliminary construction and staging has commenced on Harvest Estates. A majority of the area now owned by GS Land, LLC is impacted by construction (grading, utilities, and streets) with limited areas for staging. It is common for Developers to work with adjacent properties to seek areas for staging related to construction. The upper parking lot has limited usage as the former municipal center is largely unused with the exception of the existing Fire Station No. 2. Parking for Fire Station No. 2 is accommodated by the lower parking lot.

Originally, it was anticipated that all construction activities were to be contained to the Phase I area as shown on the submitted construction plans. However, upon request by City Staff to prepare an individual grading plan for Phase I only, it was discovered the Developer actually wanted to grade a small area of the parcel retained by the City which will become part of Phase II. This area is delineated in the attached grading plan.

Additionally, in order relocate existing sanitary sewer and water utilities without disruption, the contractor must remove the paving for the parking lot to the former Police Department and replaced upon completion of the utility connections.

The attached easement has been prepared by the City Attorney.

All costs associated with processing the request are the responsibility of the Applicant/Developer.

Staff finds the request reasonable and necessary to complete construction of Harvest Estates Phase I. The loss of parking stalls in the upper parking lot for the former municipal center should not negatively impact the current or planned use of the Phase II area. The impacts to the parking lot for the former Police Department building are necessary to relocate utilities and ensure that both existing buildings continue to maintain necessary services (sanitary sewer and water).

Motion to approve temporary easement on Lot 25, Block 1, Harvest Estates with GS Land, LLC for staging and construction of Harvest Estates Phase I as outlined in the attached easement.