PUBLIC HEARING: Consider Preliminary Plat of Affinity at Ramsey (Project No.17-142); Case of Inland Group

The purpose of this case is to review an application for preliminary plat and site plan approval of Affinity at Ramsey, a one hundred and seventy-five (175) unit apartment development on the property generally located at the southwest corner of Center Street and Ramsey Parkway. The Developer, Inland Group of Spokane, Washington, is focusing this development on ages 55+.  The parcel is legally described as Outlot Q, Ramsey Town Center Addition, Anoka County, Minnesota

Staff attempted to notify all Property Owners within 700 feet of the Subject Property of the Preliminary Plat and Site Plan review.

Generally speaking, the proposed 175 unit apartment development appears to comply with the COR-1 downtown zoning requirements as outlined in the staff review memos.

The City Council approved by resolution at its January 2018 meeting the proposed sketch site plan. However as part of that approval the City Council did request that a 3D rendering be provided of the building facade along Ramsey Parkway as well as enhanced architectural features along the first floor of the proposed structure which is where the parking garage is proposed to be located. Staff is working with the Applicant on these contingencies.


Alternatives

Alternative 1: Recommend approval of Resolution #18-032 approving the requested Preliminary Plat of Affinity at Ramsey and recommend approval of Resolution #18-033 approving the requested site plan for Affinity at Ramsey.  The proposed project appears to comply with the bulk standards of The COR Design Framework and the proposed use would be an asset to the COR development as well as the City of Ramsey. In addition, the City Council approved by resolution the sketch plan associated with the project. Staff is supportive of this alternative contingent upon compliance with the Staff Review Letter.

Alternative 2: Recommend denial of the Preliminary Plat and Site Plan as currently requested. If the Planning Commission desires to recommend denial it should clearly state its findings for the recommended denial and direct staff to prepare a resolution outlining those findings of fact.  As previously noted, the proposed project appears consistent with the provisions of City Code and The COR Design Framework. Staff does not support this alternative.

All costs associated with processing the Application are the responsibility of the Applicant.

Staff recommends approval of Resolution #18-032 granting Preliminary Plat approval of Affinity at Ramsey and approval of Resolution #18-033 granting Site Plan approval of Affinity at Ramsey.

Motion to recommend the City Council adopt Resolution #18-032 granting Preliminary Plat approval of Affinity at Ramsey and recommend adoption of Resolution #18-033 granting Site Plan approval of Affinity at Ramsey.