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-76- <br /> <br />Mi'. Elvig stated he is not smart enough to answer that but-with other projects, cities have <br />contributed to the infrastructure or the city may have been in control of all or part of the project. <br />He stated one of the concerns in Chicago was that you need to have control of the site. In that <br />case, it was part of a condemnation process. He stated in Ramsey there is a proposed single <br />owner of the target center which may make it easier to deal with.' With regard to infrastructure, <br />he has heard comments that they were not asking for any assistance but if there ,,vas assistance, <br />the City may have a better seat at the table. <br /> <br />Councilmember Anderson asked if having control allows the City to have a "hook" in the <br />project. <br /> <br />Mr. Elvig stated that is correct and they are trying to target an area and draft ordinance language. <br />When a developer steps forward, then those questions will need to be answered. He agreed that <br />having infrastructure or control does place the City in a stronger position. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen stated the capital improvement budget was approved earlier this <br />year and those improvements are not cheap. He stated it may give the City a seat at the table, but <br />not at much lower costs. He noted that one project in Chicago went through multiple developers <br />until they found one they could work with. Councilmember Hendriksen stated he is somewhat <br />concerned that the land is controlled by the developer which means the City will have to assure <br />all the "T's" are crossed and "I's" are dotted. <br /> <br />Mr. Elvig agreed and added that the developer n'mst profit and has the best knowledge of what <br />the market is and what will profit. He stated the City has a desire and vision to maintain and it is <br />hoped the developer will share that vision. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen stated his impression is, that for the most part, the developer's <br />interest stops when the check clears the banl( but the City must live with it for a very long time <br />so the City must assure it is in balance. <br /> <br />Mr. Elvig stated some developers are build-to-own and this is the type they are interested in <br />encouraging since they will put in a quality project. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen stated since Highway 10 will expand to the railroad tracks, there are <br />a lot of businesses that will be leaving Ramsey or needing a new place. <br /> <br />Mr. Elvig stated they are not that focused at this point but there is a sentiment that a Ramsey <br />business should have a "first shot" at a new location. He stated it is on the radar scope to <br />consider that since they are Ramsey businesses and most often residents as well. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen concurred and stated you need to strike a balance and not oust an <br />existing business and bring in a competitor <br /> <br />Councilmember Zimmern~an asked if it is the desire to have the City as the owner of all or part <br />o f the land. <br /> <br />City Council/July 9, 2002 <br />Page 18 of 24 <br /> <br /> <br />