Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 07/11/2013

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EDA Updates 07112013 Old Municipal Center Site Development The City's Economic Development Authority (EDA) and Council are in the process considering the future development of the "Old Municipal Center Site." The City is considering two general development scenarios for the 20.5 acre site: (A) data center development and (B) residential development. Today, the Old Municipal Center Site is zoned Public/Quasi Public. On Tuesday, June 12 the Council considered submitting an application to the Planning Commission to amend the City's Comprehensive Plan to allow for either a data center or residential user. The Council decided to re-engage surrounding property owners regarding a data center development before submitting a Comprehensive Plan Amendment application to the Planning Commission; for either type of use. The Council will be discussing the use of a study group to further explore a potential data center development on July 9. TBRA Grant The City was awarded a $14,800 grant from the MetCouncil on June 26, 2013; which will be used to pay for previous and future site investigation costs (environmental assessments, pre demolition survey, asbestos remediation plan, etc.). Prospect Update Diamond Graphics The City has been working with Diamond Graphics over the past four months to negotiate the sale of City owned property located at 14280 Azurite Street NW. The Subject Property is zoned Employment 1 (E1). The Council approved the sale of the Subject Property on March 26 and a purchase agreement on June 25. Said transaction is scheduled for closing on July 17. Foxtrot: Patriot Converting Patriot Converting is a medium sized manufacturing business with 24 employees located in Anoka. This prospect was interested in relocating and expanding their operations in Ramsey. The City reviewed a number of sites with Patriot, and for a number of reasons (namely timing) the City's public works campus was selected a potential site. It was proposed, Patriot would construct a new 77,000 square foot facility and hire 13 new employees within two years (37 total). With the proposed project, Patriot Converting approached the City regarding financial assistance. The EDA reviewed a business subsidy application from Patriot on June 6; at which time the EDA recommended (for Council review and approval) TIF assistance in the amount of $191,000. Upon receiving feedback from the EDA, prospect Foxtrot withdrew from considering the Ramsey site; and is now considering lease options near their current facility.