Laserfiche WebLink
Oldcastle Precast. Life Fitness and Vision Ease were in the process of sending staff the <br />requested information. Ms. Wald stated that staff would attempt to mail each person in <br />attendance a packet of information and an updated itinerary prior to the event. <br /> <br />It was suggested that information about the City be provided to each business. <br /> <br />Ms. Wald noted that a representative from Congressman Mark Kennedy's office would be <br />attending. <br /> <br />Ms. Wald stated that further updates regarding the Business Tour would be forwarded to the <br />EDA members through e-mail. <br /> <br />Member LeTourneau requested that Case #5 be presented before Case #4. Mr. McComb was in <br />attendance to discuss the Rum River Commercial Node Redevelopment Study, and Mr. <br />LeTourneau felt uninterrupted time should be given to discuss the study. All members of the <br />EDA agreed to discuss Case #5 prior to Case #4. <br /> <br />Case #5: Critical Blight Redevelopment Project <br /> <br />Economic Development/TIF Specialist Sean Sullivan explained that Tax Increment Financing <br />(TIF) District No. 2 had been created to facilitate industrial development and redevelopment <br />within the City of Ramsey. TIF District No. 2 had been a great success thus far, creating a great <br />environment for businesses to relocate and grow in Ramsey. He added that businesses such as <br />Life Fitness, Systematic Refrigeration (now called Zero Zone) and A & R Manufacturing were <br />located within TIF District No. 2 and had benefited from the City's concerted effort to facilitate <br />development in underutilized land. Mr. Sullivan noted that this process of redevelopment takes <br />much time and effort. <br /> <br />Mr. Sullivan stated that the area currently coming into focus was located along Azurite and <br />Basalt Streets. This location was in one of Ramsey's oldest business districts. The other <br />remaining area was located at the intersection of Unity Street and County Road 116. These sites <br />are the crux of the Critical Blight Redevelopment Project and would be the areas on which the <br />City would concentrate for redevelopment. <br /> <br />Mr. Sullivan noted that the City was recently awarded a Community Development Block Grant <br />(CDBG) to acquire properties in need of redevelopment. The properties identified were the <br />Chies and Morrell Properties located on 141st Avenue between Azurite and Basalt Streets. There <br />were many properties adjacent and near these two parcels that needed to be cleaned up or <br />acquired so that redevelopment was able to take place. Tom Sauter has assisted the City in the <br />process by acquiring three lots north of St. Paul Terminal; however, much more is needed to be <br />done. Mr. Sullivan stated that, in addition to the acquisitions by the City and private investors, it <br />would be beneficial to bring sewer, water, storm sewer and paved streets into the area. The three <br />lots that Tom Sauter has prepared for development are requesting that sewer and water be <br />available in order for development to proceed. <br /> <br />Economic Development Authority / June 9, 2003 <br /> Page 4 of 7 <br /> <br /> <br />