Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 05/16/2013

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The Planning Commission held a work shop to receive a presentation from Mary T., Inc. on Thursday, March 14, 2013. The Developer must now submit the required land use applications. Staff anticipates said applications in the spring of 2013. The Developer has stated they desire to start construction in 2013. Staff has received notification that the Developer is now exploring multiple options for sites within Ramsey, other than the site originally identified. Staff will be meeting with the Developer in mid -May to discuss potential options. [Updated April 25, 2013] Housing Assistance Policy [Updated] Primary Contact: Tim Gladhill (taladhill(Pci.ramsev.mn.us; 763-576-4308) The City Council has directed Staff to complete a Housing Assistance Policy. The intent of the policy is to provide a framework for which to review requests for housing assistance and provide a mechanism to review proposals for compatibility with the City's housing goals. The Policy was forwarded to the Planning Commission for development. The Planning Commission has established an ad -hoc sub -committee to assist in the development of the policy. The Housing Sub -Committee has met on two (2) occasions to date. Current accomplishments include completion of an Interim Policy Statement (until the final policy is adopted), agreement on the framework of the policy, and establishment of housing -type priorities. All drafts must still be approved by the City Council. Staff would like to provide a status update with the City Council at the May 28, 2013 City Council Meeting. [Updated May 9, 2013] 167th Avenue Retail Node [No Update] Primary Contact: Tim Gladhill (tdladhill(Pci.ramsev.mn.us; 763-576-4308) The Planning Commission and EDA have both discussed the status of the retail node located at the intersection of 167th Avenue and Saint Francis Boulevard (TH 47). The City had previously been asked to review two (2) potential users at 6001 167th Ave NW (indoor shooting range and clothing recycling warehouse distribution. Per EDA discussion, Staff will be setting up stakeholder meetings to discuss a comprehensive approach with all property owners of the node in regards to future land uses as well as mechanisms to achieve desired future land uses. A more detailed summary will be provided following the outcomes of these stakeholder meetings. [Updated April 11, 2013] Former Municipal Center Future Land Uses [Updated] Primary Contact: Patrick Brama (obrama(&ci.ramsev.mn.us; 763-433-9903) In 2006, the City relocated the Ramsey Municipal Center from 15153 Nowthen Blvd NW to 7550 Sunwood Dr NW. The former location still operates as Fire Station #2. The City has been exploring options for future use of this campus and relocation of Fire Station #2. To assist in the analysis of acceptable land uses for this campus for future development, an Open House has been scheduled for Thursday, April 18th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers (7550 Sunwood Dr NW). The Open House will explore options for single-family and data center users. Multiple smaller group stations, with full size maps and ability for written comments, will be available from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. A brief presentation will be presented, with ability for large group comment, from 7:00 to 7:30 (or until comments are complete). Small group stations will re -convene following the presentation and comment period. The Open House was held as scheduled despite weather concerns. Staff continues to compile results and comments from that Open House and presented preliminary findings to the City Council on Tuesday, April 23, 2013. Based on the results of that open house, Staff will presenting the detailed results to the Planning Commission, EDA, and City Council in May prior to taking any further steps. It is at this stage that Staff will discuss future direction, if any direction is desired at this time. Staff has updated the Planning Commission on the status of the project (May 2, 2013) and is scheduled to update the EDA on May 16, 2013. Staff will also provide an update and seek future direction at the May 28, 2013 City Council Meeting. [Updated May 9, 2013]