03/27/12 Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

a 20,000 sq. ft. restriction to protect Coborns and keep them viable in this market. Other items are to assure a visibility corridor and additional signage. He noted Armstrong Boulevard will eventually be redeveloped and while the current signage has worked well, it will have to be addressed and they would like additional signage capabilities along Sunwood Drive. Mr. Reger stated they appreciate their good working relationship with the City and want to do what they can to keep their retail strong and viable. Development Manager Lazan displayed a slide depicting the site plan, noting potential locations of signage on the Coborns site in addition to off -site signage opportunities. He also pointed out the location of the existing building and request to create a sight corridor and sight triangle. Development Manager Lazan reviewed the efforts of the Development Team with Anoka County and the State to preserve Coborns anchored center during the upcoming interchange project. Development Manager Lazan acknowledged Coborns is a great tenant in this development, however, the requested grocery exclusivity is a challenge because of where the restriction is sized. He explained the design intent of a 20,000 sq. ft. restriction would be to allow small C- Stores or a P -Fresh option but it would preclude another grocer or Super Target/WalMart. He stated when the HRA considers limiting marketability, it needs to ask how it is structured, whom the restrictions favor, and what would be fair value to the HRA if that project restriction is considered. Alan Young, Mid - America Real Estate Company, opined it would benefit all in this district. He acknowledged Ramsey has done a lot of work to create a project that will bring Ramsey to the forefront but also needs to be concerned about what it will look like in ten years. In Coborns, the City has a retailer that is starting to see good success and has opportunities in the future to decide if Ramsey is the right community for them, which hinges on what happens with the rest of the development. Mr. Young explained a 20,000 sq. ft. restriction would allow concepts like Trader Joe's or Target's P -Fresh concept. In terms of compensation, he suggested it is the right thing for Ramsey to do. He noted there are different options in how it could be structured, length of time, but they want to look at how to position Coborns so it continues to be vital. Commissioner Ramsey stated the HRA owns property in The COR and does not want to damage the entire project, so why would it consider allowing another grocer into the project. He stated he understands why Mid - America wants exclusivity but he would not favor it unless there is a benefit to be gained. Commissioner Ramsey stated he would not object to assuring a sight line; however, it would eliminate a potential retail site for the HRA. Chairperson McGlone stated Coborns has operated for seven years and there will not likely be anything across the way in the dirt for a few years. He noted the HRA does not control the dirt on the other side of Armstrong Boulevard. Chairperson McGlone stated support to convey some property in this project to give a better site for a restaurant and maintain a sight line for existing buildings. Commissioner Wise stated his Wiser Choice Liquor business has been in its location for 11 years and he has gone to the City three times, prior to serving on the Council, asking for limits on liquor licenses. However, this request was turned down because of Coborns or because a CUB Foods was coming. Commissioner Wise stated while too much of any one type of businesses is Housing and Redevelopment Authority / March 27, 2012 Page 2 of 4