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Ms. Brown stated the Twins contributed more than $2 million to build the Target Center Station. <br />Mr. Lenzmeier stated the two largest events were the Kenny Chesney concerts last year and this <br />year. This year 12,000 people arrived by train and 2,000 by Northstar, with that ridership driven <br />by the alcohol legal limit of .08 so they can party. He stated projections are best estimates and <br />while Hiawatha met 20 year projections in year 2, that has not occurred with Northstar but it is <br />getting better. <br />Mayor Strommen asked if there are recommendations for Ramsey or other Station cities to <br />advance Northstar and how it can be best used with economic development. <br />Mr. Lenzmeier stated the City can welcome developers, as density is the driving element. He <br />noted Ramsey is ahead of the game and he actually promotes Ramsey's efforts and model when <br />he talks with the other five Station cities. He stated the opportunity for retail is not what you <br />think it would be because commuters are in a hurry and will probably not stop to eat at a <br />restaurant or go shopping. However, there may be more opportunity for destination -types of <br />uses. He stated he hopes their linkage with schools will be fruitful and indicated they will keep <br />City Administrator Ulrich and the Council updated. Mr. Lenzmeier urged the Council to talk up <br />Northstar and promote it whenever possible. <br />Mayor Strommen thanked Mr. Lenzmeier and Ms. Brown for providing this update. <br />2.02: Potential Future Business Park Land (Update Only) <br />Assistant to the City Administrator Brama reviewed the staff report, noting in 2012 the Ramsey <br />EDA and City Council identified a shortage existed in property available for development by <br />businesses in Ramsey outside of The COR. Therefore, a strategic priority in early 2013 is to <br />secure a future "Business Park" location. He reviewed action taken in 2012 and 2013 by the <br />Council and EDA to review potential locations. In August of 2013, the EDA crafted a <br />recommendation to be considered first by the Planning Commission and subsequently the <br />Council of six potential sites. Assistant to the City Administrator Brama described the features <br />and status of each of the six identified sites. He stated the EDA would like to pursue the Al <br />Pearson property on the north side of Highway 10 as the primary site with the Hageman <br />Holdings site being the secondary site for a future Business Park. The Planning Commission <br />would like to conduct a public open house to gather input regarding potential future land use <br />changes. He stated following completion of the public hearing, a feasibility study will be <br />prepared relating to the required improvements to Bunker Lake Boulevard and Puma Street. <br />Once those costs are determined, it will be known whether the Pearson site is financially feasible <br />for that use. Assistant to the City Administrator Brama stated Mr. Pearson is a willing seller at <br />$65,000 per acre ($1.49 per square foot), willing to change the zoning, to hold the land for this <br />future use, and to partner with the City. <br />Councilmember Riley stated the EDA determined the Al Pearson property was the best site <br />overall as he was a willing seller and since he is willing to partner, the EDA would not have to <br />play the role of developer. <br />City Council Work Session / September 24, 2013 <br />Page 3 of 5 <br />