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<br />Conclusion <br /> <br />The C!lnalysis undertaken In this exercise reveC!lled the accomplishments and <br />limitations of current policies affecting health In Ramsey. Out of a total of 100 <br />possible points, Ramse.y achieved 32 points. The best scoring Indicators were <br />for air qualltv, housing qualltv, mental health, safety, and sodal capital. These <br />aspects are rather Intuitive, as Ramsey has been a historically rural area. It is <br />reasonable to assume that access to green space, a substantial canopy cover, <br />and a good mix of housing prices are available. Unfortunately, as a standard <br />rural/suburban community, access to transit or densities to support transit, <br />close retail/supermarket opportunities, urban services, . and an extensive <br />sidewalk/trail system are limited. <br /> <br />As we assess the areas of priority in moving forward, it is Important to consider <br />Ramsey's historical development pattE!"rn as well as Its location within the <br />region. Some Indicators will be easier for the Cltv to achieve, while It mi!lY be <br />unrealistic to Improve on others. Striving to ensure all residences have i;I park <br />and/or trail within walking distance Is a realistic priority, Twelve additional <br />pOints could pe obtained if the goals in the above analysis were achlevl!d. Also, <br />guiding land use to encourage the development of a supermClrket within the <br />southeast or south-central portion of the city 15 another realistic: goal that could <br />add 12 points. Examining key opportunities for traffic calming measures could <br />provide Ramsey eight additional points. Ensuring most new developmeht is <br />connected to urban services would provide 5 points. <br /> <br />Ramsey's priorities will ultimately lie In the hands of the policy makers. The <br />purpose of this report is to inform those choices. Identifying how to achieve <br />the maximum number of points should not be the only purpose of the <br />Threshold Analysis exercise. Rather, It should help policy makers identify <br />opportunities for Improvement of resident's health. Many policies and <br />ordinances that have been enacted, and 'that are based on completely logical <br />goals and desires, may In fact have unintended consequenc;es for the health of <br />RamlleY'$ residents. For example, the developmlnt of large-lot single family <br />development is based en the desires of buyers In thlil markli!t. However, the <br />pervasive use of this development pattern ean redl.lce accessibility and social <br />Interactions and leave vulnerable populations without a reliable meC!lns of <br />transportation. The Information provided by the HIA can be used as one of <br />many tools that planners and other policy makers can use to make decisions <br />about the form they want their communities to take. <br /> <br />27 <br /> <br />-134- <br />