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"Spot zoning": large size of the Subject property, the City is using the property for a rational use, there is a public <br />purpose for developing the Subject Property, the previous/anticipated use of the subject property was for either a <br />school/municipal center complex and the City would enforce strict land use regulations to ensure a data center use <br />would transition/be compatible with surrounding properties. <br />Property Values <br />Nearly all residents indicated the establishment of a data center development would reduce the value of their <br />homes; and therefore is undesirable. <br />It is possible the establishment of a data center development could reduce the value of surrounding properties. <br />However, it is also possible the establishment of a data center development could sustain or even increase the value <br />of surrounding properties; depending on the quality of the project and the required screening/land use regulations <br />(when compared to the alternative). This item is subjective. <br />Staff had a chance to review the Subject Property with the League of Minnesota Cities and the City Attorney. Most <br />case law indicates this conclusion is subjective and unclear. <br />Staff would recommend the City update their comprehensive plan to reflect the desired zoning before moving <br />forward with either development scenario (residential or data center). This was already contemplated by the <br />Planning Division as part of the Zoning Amendment and Open House process, although not expressly stated. <br />Risk/Market Failure <br />A number of residents are concerned that a data center development will eventually fail; and that another type of <br />user would eventually take over. Said user may not work well with surrounding properties. <br />Like any business, the risk of a data center development failing is real. The City does not have the ability to <br />mitigate this risk. However, in the event a data center user failed, the City does have the ability to regulate the next <br />user. It is likely, an office type reuse would fit in best with surrounding properties. The City has the ability to <br />control the use of the Subject Property through land use regulations; in this case, a Planned Unit Development <br />(PUD) or an Overlay District. A PUD would be the preferred tool if a specific user and site plan were identified. An <br />Overlay District would be the preferred tool if a specific user or site plan was not identified, but the City chose to <br />move forward with theShovel-Ready Certification. <br />Use of Subject Property for a Park <br />Several residents indicated the City should develop the entire Subject Property into a park. <br />Over the course of the last decade, as new single family homes and town -home developments have been platted <br />near the Subject Property, the Park and Recreation Commission has examined the need for recreational amenities <br />and associated trail connections. Finding that there is adequate recreation and open space in the larger vicinity of the <br />former Municipal Center, the City has focused on trail development; and, this part of Ramsey now has the most <br />comprehensive trail and connected trail system within the entire City. <br />A summary of park amenities nearby the Subject Property includes the two community parks of Elmcrest and <br />Alpine; and play equipment at Alpine, Woodland Green, Solstice and the school. Athletic fields at Alpine, <br />Elmcrest, the school, Solstice, Woodland Green and Bear Park. Open space at all of the above, plus Sunfish Lake <br />Park and the scout camp as well as other city -owned lands. In addition to the common recreational amenities at <br />these parks, at Alpine there is a concrete skate park, free canoes and kayaks at Sunfish Lake, and ice skating and a <br />warming house at the 60-acre Ramsey Elementary immediately west of the former Municipal Center. <br />Better Locations <br />Residents at the public open house indicated there are "better locations" for a data center in Ramsey; and that the <br />Subject Property should not be considered. <br />Considering the requirements of a data center development, the Subject Property is the only substantial available <br />site in the City of Ramsey. Requirements include: redundant fiber, redundant electricity, city utilities, minimum <br />