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EDA Updates 08082013 (1) Old Municipal Center Site Development Background 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, 2013 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. Update On July 9, 2013 the City Council directed Staff to formulate a study group consisting of various stakeholders; including: surrounding property owners, at large Ramsey residents, one Planning Commission member, one Economic Development Authority member and one City Council member. The purpose of the Study Group is to better understand under what circumstances would a data center development be an acceptable use for the Subject Property. The key outcome of this process is a proposal for Council consideration; which will include (1) further documentation /information addressing specific concerns (2) mitigation proposals addressing specific concerns (3) updated site concept maps. Currently, the City is soliciting interest from stakeholders to participate in the proposed study group. It is estimated, a study group will need to meet 4 -6 times. The deadline for residents to indicate interest in joining the committee is September 20. It is estimated the study group will begin in November /December. NOTE: The purpose of a study group is IDENTIFY and CONSIDER compromises/ solutions; it is possible the focus group may conclude certain concerns cannot be mitigated. 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.). (2) Prospect Updates Diamond Graphics The City has been working with Diamond Graphics over the past six months to negotiate the sale of City owned property located at 14280 Azurite Street NW. The Subject Property is 4.8 acres in size and is zoned Employment 1 (E1). The subject property was sold for $410,000 on July 17. Diamond Graphics would like to complete a 30,000 square foot expansion to their existing building by winter 2013. Diamond Graphics has gone through the site plan review process and has recently submitted an application for a building permit.