Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 04/11/2013

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Economic Development Authority (EDA) 4. 3. Meeting Date: 04/11/2013 Submitted For: Patrick Brama By: Patrick Brama, Administrative Services Title: 15153 Nowthen Blvd: Update and Grant Application Background: The EDA and City Council have expressed interest in developing the old municipal center site located at 15153 Nowthen Boulevard (the "Subject Property"). The Subject Property is 20.5 acres in size, is made up of two parcels and is the temporary location of City Fire Station #2. The City is considering two general development scenarios: data center development and residential development; with the target being a data center development. The City is partnering with Connexus Energy to pursue the data center development opportunity. As part of this effort, Staff was directed to pursue a "Shovel Ready" development certification through the State of Minnesota. Additionally, both the EDA and the City Council have requested Staff develop a cost/benefit analysis on potential development scenarios. In February/March, the EDA and City Council reviewed said cost/benefit analysis and directed Staff to move forward with positioning the old municipal center site for a data center development; while keeping the option of a residential development open. As it stands today, the Subject Property is zoned "Public/Quasi Public." The next step in this process is to consider zoning solutions and to engage the public (surrounding property owners). Purpose of case: (1) Provide update on zoning process (correspondence sent to surrounding property owners) (2) Discuss Phase II environmental assessment and grant opportunity Observations: (1) Provide update on zoning process (correspondence sent to surrounding property owners) The next step in the process to develop the Subject Property is zoning. As it stands today, the Subject Property is located within the Public/Quasi Public Zoning District. A Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Amendment would need to be approved to allow for a data center user. The EDA and City Council directed Staff to begin the zoning process by engaging surrounding property owners via an open house, to be held on April 18, 6-9 pm in the Council Chambers. Staff will report findings from said open house; and, develop a proposed zoning and long range planning solution for consideration. Staff recently sent out the attached correspondence to surrounding property owners. Purpose of said correspondence: (A) Provide residents with detailed background information/notification of proposed development(s) (B) Invite residents to provide input/feedback (C) Invite residents to attend an open house on April 18, 6:OOpm, Ramsey Municipal Center (2) Discuss Phase II environmental assessment and grant opportunity As a result of a phase I environmental assessment conducted in November 2012, three "recognized environmental conditions" were identified on the Subject Property. In order to clear said "recognized environmental conditions" from the property, as phase II environmental assessment would need to be conducted. Meaning, additional soil borings would need to be attained and reviewed.