Agenda - Council - 05/11/1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

The HKGi team proposes a two phase approach to the Ramsey redeveloment study. While there maybe several sites or locations that the city desires to redevelop, it is impractical and unrealistic to expect to complete many redevelopment projects in a short time. This approach allows the community to priortize its efforts towards one redevelopment project (although others may be identified and targeted for a later completion date) and focus on implementation that results in the greatest public benefit to the community. Phase one of the work program is designed to achieve three objectives. First it is important to establish a clear set of goals and principles to guide the city and the consultants throughout the planning process. Secondly, it is to identify all areas that may be desirable redevelopment projects which fall within the parameters of the goals and principles. The third and final objective of phase one is to select key areas to carry forward to phase two. Through the comprehensive planning process (particularly through the public meetings) as well as other work in Ramsey, we have developed a thorough understanding of the community issues, needs and desires. With this knowledge, sites can be identified and general goals and principles can be clearly established upfront and early in the process while reflecting the desires of the community. Direction however will need to be provided through City Council/Planning Commission/Economic Development Authority involvement as outlined in the work program. ~ Phase two is the process by which a physical redevelopment plan is developed for an area or site. This plan would include land use, street design and layout, utility and other infrastructure needs as well as a financial assessment as to the potential costs of the redevelopment of the site and funding sources or options for financing such redevelopment. In addition, a market analysis (or developer/brolcer panel) would be included to provide general assurance and direction regarding industrial development. Unlike phase one, phase two will include significantly more community involvement through development of a task force or focus group. Our experience tells us that participation of the community is critical, and that the insight into issues and values of the community provided by a task force will be vital to the work. If any redevelopment plan is to be meaningful, it will be a result of "local knowledge" provided by the community and professional expertise provided by consultants and staff. The process in phase two must place the stakeholders' at the forefront, challenging them to shape a vision for the area(s) making them a part of the initial investigations, and prov~i..ding ways for them to evaluate ideas throughout the process. Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. APPROACH t-4H t~age - 11 -