Consider Adoption of Resolution #18-086 granting Final Plat and Site Plan approval and Introducing Ordinance #18-10 vacating underlying roadway easements related to Affinity at Ramsey (Project No.17-142); Case of Inland Group

The purpose of this case is to review an application for final plat and site plan approval of Affinity at Ramsey, a one lot, one hundred and seventy-four (174) unit apartment development on the property generally located at the southwest corner of Center Street and Ramsey Parkway. The City Council previously approved a site plan for this project, however, the site plan has been adjusted through staff required plan set revisions. The Applicant has requested that the City Council review the revised site plan. 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 and there are underlying roadway easements in place that are proposed to be vacated as part of this development.

The Planning Commission held a public hearing at its February 2, 2018 meeting for the preliminary plat and site plan reviews. Staff attempted to notify all Property Owners within 700 feet of the Subject Property.

The proposed 174 unit apartment development appears to comply with the COR-1 downtown zoning requirements as outlined in the staff review memos. The City Council previously reviewed and approved the preliminary plat and previous site plan for the project. The primary alteration to the site plan from a planning perspective was the change in the number of parking stalls both interior to the building and exterior parking stalls.  As currently shown, the site plan adheres to the COR Design Framework. Staff continues to work with the Applicant on construction ready engineering documents.

The final plat, as submitted, appears consistent with the previously approved preliminary plat.

Alternatives

Alternative 1: Adopt Resolution #18-086 approving the requested Final Plat and revised Site Plan of Affinity at Ramsey and introduce Ordinance #18-10 vacating existing right-of-way within the Subject Property. 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: Deny the Final Plat and site plan as currently requested and do not introduce Ordinance #18-10. If the City Council desires to deny this project, it should clearly state its findings for the denial and direct staff to prepare a resolution outlining those findings of fact.  As previously noted, the proposed project appears consistent with the approved preliminary plat, 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 adoption of Resolution #18-086 granting Final Plat and Site Plan approval of Affinity at Ramsey, as well as the introduction of Ordinance #18-10 vacating underlying roadway easements on the Subject Property.

Motion to adopt Resolution #18-086 granting Final Plat and revised Site Plan approval of Affinity at Ramsey and introduce Ordinance #18-10 vacating underlying roadway easements on the subject property.