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Administrator Norman stated that the initial McComb Group study on the Town Center area was complete and would be available to EDA. Vice Chairperson Kiefer stated the steep slope located at the intersection of 167th / Hwy 47 was a safety concern. The intersection was lacking adequate turn lanes and road width and it needed to be updated. Member Keifer thought that if redevelopment activity took place in the area there could possibly be an update of the intersection. Member Letourneau inquired about whom would be responsible for updating the intersection. Administrator Norman said that it is a state road and the state would be responsible for making that determination. The state is having budget problems right now and the general feeling is the state will not be taking on any additional projects with the budget shortfall. It was also noted that in 1999, when the last update was completed to part of Hwy 47, the City contributed $2,000,000 to help expedite the upgrade. Upgrading Highway #47 would probably involve funding source from 'at least the State and the City. Chairperson Riley noted that the market area for the Town Center was substantially smaller on the east and south sides due to the presence of the Rum and Mississippi Rivers.' It was noted that the Ramsey Center node market area is limited by the rivers. Member Anderson asked what the feeling was for the businesses in the area of Ramsey Center and what their feelings were concerning the City's interest in the Town Center. Member Letourneau stated that there is a need for redevelopment in that node in Ramsey. It was thought that the area could better serve the community and that the business owners in the area are interested. Member Anderson inquired as to whether sewer and Water was important to that specific area. Member Letourneau thought that sewer and water were crucial to help the subject area reach 'critical mass'. Higher density housing would help the area reach a point in which it could sustain itself. Vice Chairperson Kiefer said that it important to take care of existing businesses. He also said that he thought that both business centers could co-exist peacefully. Chairperson Riley wondered whether or not there was a group of businesses that had organized in the area to discuss common interests and requests. Member Letourneau said that there was no such "group" but that the business owners do talk to each other and have expressed the need for redevelopment. He also stated that Chairperson's Riley's observation seemed valid but said that the area works as a whole and might be negatively affected if a critical anchor business was removed from the area. Economic Development Authority / December 9, 2002 Page 4 of 5 32