Minutes - Economic Development Authority - 04/13/2006

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Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan stated in 2002, the EDA directed staff to make contact with Mr. Lano and Mr. Peterson regarding potential redevelopment plans. After lengthy discussions with the landowners it was determined that a mutually agreeable compromise could not be reached. Mr. Sullivan stated three years have passed since the City has actively looked at possible development and redevelopment of the area south of Highway gl0. Now that the future alignment of Highway gl0 is fairly certain, the question posed is whether to look at putting together a similar type study that was done on the north side of Highway #10 for the south side of Highway gl0, extending the scope towards Alpaca Estates down to the Anoka border. Staff would propose that the City begin reviewing the existing development and infrastructure south of Highway # 10 and attempt to put together an in-house plan similar to the Hoisington Koegler Group study that would provide for orderly development and redevelopment of the area. Mr. Lano stated his first conversations were with Megan Wald when the road was plarmed to go through his property. He was open-armed at that time, and wanted to be proactive. Things did not proceed, so in 1992 he went forward and purchased the balance of the adjacent property, and has been in ~a constant growth mode; His property was zoned Retail Sales, and in 2002 the City changed the zoning to E-l, which he did not feel was the correct zoning. He is not opposed to the development side of this, but wants to be sure the EDA is aware of the fact he is one of many property ownem on the Highway gl0 Corridor, but is looking at the future of his business and the future growth of Ramsey. He needs to be proactive or reactive on where he moves his business. He employs 54 people and provides an incredible amount of retail sales in this community. He not only supplies products to this industry, but on a residential basis. Member Strommen stated to her knowledge there is not a plan in place for the north side of Highway gl0. There is a transportation plan and official map, but there is not a vision for what that will. look like. She questioned why this area is being focused on, rather than beginning a visioning process for what Highway gl0 will look like. She questioned how to engage the businesses in this visioning process. Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan explained this is not a focus study on a segment that was reviewed before. The request is to do what was done on the north side of Highway #10 with the frontage road systems and the businesses. Along with doing that there is a need to put together a comprehensive plan that shows how the roads will work through there and what the vision will be for the south side of Highway gl0. The purpose for this case is to put some good planning in place for the south side of Highway gl0 now that the boundaries have been set, so existing businesses, as well as new businesses, will have a good transportation network. Member Elvig noted there are questions regarding a possible realignment of Sunfish Lake Boulevard or Thurston Street. This would have a fairly significant impact as to what is feasible in this area. Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan replied the study is broader than this area. Member Elvig suggested there should be a discussion of how to plan this process, and that the businesses should be involved in this discussion. He questioned if the EDA is the correct body to discuss this. Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan replied the EDA is the correct body. He explained consultants were 'hired 'for this process in the past. He proposes' that there is more staff on-board now, and a lot of this planning could be done in-house, utilizing Engineering and Economic Development Authority/April 13, 2006 Page 6 of 9