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Councilmember Elvig asked what is the attraction of The COR instead of other land in Ramsey. <br />Mr. VanAlfen stated the initial attractions were its proximity to Highway 10, rail, and the <br />school's leader lives in the general vicinity. <br />Councilmember Elvig asked if they would be interested in other property, noting The COR is <br />expensive ground and within a TIF District. He explained that constituents who paid for <br />infrastructure improvements want to get tax benefit. <br />Mr. VanAlfen stated that is a potential. <br />Councilmember Elvig stated he is fascinated with the programming and agreed it would be new <br />to Ramsey. <br />Mayor Strommen referenced the comment indicating there is demand for schools in Ramsey, and <br />asked whether this was based on geographic region or demographics. She also asked where is <br />the next closest school that they operate and if other schools are currently under construction. <br />Mr. VanAlfen stated they will have a school underway in 2014 in northern Brooklyn Park. He <br />stated Ramsey currently has no middle school or high school besides PACT so they think there is <br />a competitive landscape. In addition, based on enrollment in other area schools, there seems to <br />be demand. Mr. VanAlfen stated they looked at The COR and found it to be very appealing <br />from a development standpoint. <br />Councilmember Tossey explained that The COR is part of a TIF District, contains a lot of <br />infrastructure costs, and bringing in a tax exempt defeats the purpose of TIF. He explained that <br />PACT came in prior to the TIF District and Legacy Academy is on Bunker Lake Boulevard and <br />Armstrong Boulevard. He noted there is private property available west of there and with the <br />potential overpass at Armstrong Boulevard, that may be an option to be near The COR but not in <br />The COR. Councilmember Tossey indicated a church approached the City last summer and the <br />Council had the same concern with that request. He believed their concept was interesting, new, <br />and knew PACT was very successful with a waiting list but there is hesitation due to expectation <br />of the taxpayers. <br />Mr. VanAlfen stated they are sensitive to that and would like to begin dialogue to see if interest <br />is there. He stated they would consider other sites; however, due to the challenges with their first <br />construction project dealing with Minnesota winter, The COR pad is prepared and ready. That is <br />a big draw to mitigate winter construction challenges. <br />City Administrator Ulrich asked whether they have worked with communities to make an annual <br />contribution in lieu of property taxes. <br />Mr. Van Elfin stated he is familiar with the concept and willing to hold that conversation. He <br />pointed out that the property will be held by a taxable entity for the first five years. <br />Councilmember Elvig asked about the property taxes paid for a $19 million value project. <br />City Council Work Session / February 12, 2013 <br />Page 3 of 5 <br />