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She noted the Council has decided to provide funding assistance to apartments within The COR <br />and wanted to put workforce housing on the table. From a policy level, she noted the Council is <br />reacting to what is coming before it but has not yet identified the elements in which it wants to <br />invest its limited resources. She preferred to set goals and priorities in advance so when a project <br />is presented, it can be examined by those goals and priorities. Councilmember Strommen noted <br />this may be a good solution for a piece of land that is difficult to develop but she still has some <br />questions. <br />Councilmember McGlone explained that when the Council had voted on buying the Town <br />Center /COR land, it had discussions and agreed one of the things it wanted to do was bring The <br />COR back to the downtown and react to the market in the outer areas. He felt the Council did <br />address that issue and he found this project fits those criteria. Councilmember McGlone noted <br />this is private property, not City property. <br />Senior Planner Gladhill explained that TIF was part of the original request but staff knew it had <br />to look at other ideas, such as land contribution. That has been staff's focus, land contributions <br />and then to identify the gap and go after grant opportunities if the timing works. <br />Councilmember Backous agreed this is a difficult site to develop and the City had previously <br />tried to come up with other solutions. He felt the proposal for workforce housing is a great <br />solution. Councilmember Backous stated he does not usually support subsidizing projects to <br />attract development but thinks this is reasonable contribution to give up right -of -way and cul -de- <br />sac. He asked about the formula for park dedication and park and trail fees. <br />Senior Planner Gladhill advised those fees have already been paid and the zoning needed is a <br />replat to this style of housing with a slight reduction in units over the previously approved <br />project. He indicated staff could research whether there could be credits owed to the original <br />developer and bank. <br />Councilmember Backous stated he does not normally favor giving credits for park and trail but <br />noted there is a nice park proposed at the east end of the project. He supported the project. <br />Councilmember Elvig stated he likes the project concept, noting the City subsidized two County <br />ACCAP projects of about $300,000. <br />City Administrator Ulrich indicated those projects used the County HRA portion of the levy. <br />Councilmember Elvig stated he preferred that private individuals meet that market instead of <br />public entities but believed there was a need for workforce housing and affordability. He stated <br />he supported providing that opportunity to Ramsey's residents. Councilmember Elvig stated he <br />is concerned about the actual platting and architectural dynamics to avoid appearance of row <br />houses. He preferred undulation to the buildings to create setback from one building to another <br />through open areas, landscaping, and color. <br />Mr. Podawiltz stated they can add articulation on the back half of the circle and on the front half <br />of the circle they would look to the Planning Commission and Council to help because there is a <br />City Council Work Session / March 13, 2012 <br />Page 3 of 6 <br />