Agenda - Council Work Session - 10/25/2011

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CC Work Session 2. 3. Meeting Date: 10/25/2011 By: Tim Gladhill, Community Development Title: Consider Work Plan for Rum River Retail Node Master Planning Effort Background: A strategic goal of the City Council is to explore a master plan for the area surrounding the commercial node at 167th Avenue and Saint Francis Boulevard (TH 47). Land use scenarios were originally developed in 2004 as part of a proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment that was ultimately not adopted. Recently, the City has completed a re -fresh of a market analysis through the Buxton Group that was originally completed in 2008. The purpose of the Buxton study was to identify potential retailers that best match the demographics of Ramsey, but not necessarily identify the amount of retail that could be supported. In order to acheive a realistic land use plan, Staff recommends the completion of an update to the 2003 McComb Group study that would provide additional detail about today's market conditions, forecasted market conditions, and the amount of retail that could be supported in the area. This information would be used as background in making decisions as to appropriate land uses for the area. Once the background and market analysis is complete, City Staff is proposing to use a public input process similar to what was used for the development of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Observations: The attached document provides a general outline of tasks to be completed. The process is proposed to utilize existing Staff with the assistance from Stantec (formerly Bonestroo), the City's planning consultant. The Master Plan Process is split into three (3) broad tasks: 1. Background Report 2. Public Design Process 3. Master Plan Concepts /Comprehensive Plan Amendment Background Report The Background Report is proposed to be completed utilizing City Staff. Materials included in the background report shall include a summary of existing land uses, previous studies and land use scenarios, and market analysis. Staff will also host one on one stakeholder analysis meetings with property owners and tenants of the immediate area. Public Process The Public Process is split into three (3) sub - categories. The first step is proposed as a public visioning session to set goals, identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to guide the remainder of the process. The process is proposed to use a similar Open Space Technology (OST) process used for the Comprehensive Plan. This process allows the attendees to set the agenda and 'host' topics of their desire in relation to the desired final product. This process is proposed to be completed by City Staff, with Stantec observing in preparation for future stages. The next step is proposed to be a map exercise where attendees will develop a future land use map to identify desired future land uses for the area (e.g. What is the appropriate mix of residential, commercial, employment ?). This stage includes break -out, small -group sessions with check -ins with the entire group to develop a Future Land Use Map. This stage is proposed to be facilitated by City Staff, with preparation assistance from Stantec. Stantec estimates this portion at approximately $3,000, which will also include design work mentioned later as Master Plan