ADDED: Review Rum River Hills Redevelopment Concept

The purpose of this case is to review a proposed redevelopment project of a portion of the Rum River Hills Golf Course. Please note that this redevelopment proposal would only impact two (2) existing golf course holes, not the entire golf course. The two (2) impacted golf course holes would be relocated and Rum River Hills would continue to operate as an eighteen (18) hole golf course. The scope of this case is to consider high level feedback before any official review. Similar to other concept plan reviews completed recently, this is not intended to be an in depth review. The intent is to also agree on a schedule and process moving forward.

The City hosted a broader public engagement session in 2013. The scope of that workshop was to explore strategies to improve the image of the retail node at 167th Avenue and Saint Francis Boulevard (Trunk Highway 47). At that workshop, this concept was shared by Rum River Hills. However, this workshop was never published with the development concept in mind or specific to Rum River Hills. Given that the proposal is a change to the Comprehensive Plan (extend the urban service area; increase density), Staff recommends that a public engagement session focused on the Rum River Hills proposal be advertised for January 4, 2018.

Rum River Hills is also requesting certain financial assistance for this project. With this in mind, the project will also be reviewed by the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and City Council in advance/parallel to the Planning Commission's review of the Land Use Application.

The following are some high-level talking points to consider:

1. What is the compelling reason for the change to the Comprehensive Plan?
   1. Will it help advance the City's goals to improve the retail node at 167th Avenue/Saint Francis Boulevard?
2. Rum River Hills proposed a pedestrian tunnel/underpass at 167th Avenue/Saint Francis Boulevard. It is anticipated that the City will be asked to cost-share or pay 100% of this improvement.
3. Density Transitioning
4. Physical Barriers
   1. Wetlands
   2. Gas Transmission Line

Overall, Staff believes there is some merit to this project. However, Staff believes there needs to be additional public input specific to the development proposal prior to formulating any recommendations. Staff understands that there has been some public engagement surrounding the proposal on a broader sense, but Staff believes it is important to frame this engagement and publish specific to Rum River Hill's proposal. Previously, the proposal has been shared by Rum River Hills at a broader community workshop. The City has never published this proposal specifically for public comment from a land use application perspective.

This portion of the review is being handled as part of normal Staff duties.

If approved, the proposal also includes certain requests for financial assistance from the City. The exact request is still being discussed and will be clarified with future review steps.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the attached review schedule.

Motion to recommend that the City Council approve the attached review schedule.

NOTE: The Planning Commission is also encourage to provide specific high-level feedback on this proposal. If there isn't support for the project through a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, that should be made known now before resources are expended in preparing plans and applications.