Agenda - Council - 12/09/2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CnSE # -I REQUEST FOR EXCEPTION FROM DEVELOPMENT MORATORIUM; CASE OF RON TOUCHETTE By: Zoning Administrator Sylvia Frolik Background: The north side of Hwy. #10 lying south of the BNSF Railroad and extending from Ramsey's border with Anoka, west to the vicinity of Puma Street, is currently under a development moratorium during the preparation of the Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR). The City engaged the services of Tinklenberg Group to draft an AUAR in response to Mn/DOT's T.H. #10 Corridor Management Plan which reflects that the proposed alignment for a six-lane freeway system through Ramsey requires shifting the corridor to the north. The moratorium was implemented on August 25, 2003 and will expire on February 25, 2003. The moratorium ordinance provides for exceptions when compliance may result in undue hardship. The Council has the authority to grant an exception to the moratorium with conditions desirable for the protection of the public interest. Observations: The City has received a written request from Mr. Ron Touchette. He is the owner of the property located at 712 Hwy. #10 N.W. The property is currently occupied by a multi-tenant building housing a liquor store and an auto body shop. There is also a lawful non-conforming 2-unit dwelling on the property and a detached accessory garage. Mr. Touchette is proposing to remodel the liquor store to facilitate a new tenant, MGM Wines and Spirits. The remodeling consists of a 912 square foot addition to the west wall of the building to accommodate product coolers, the addition of a 168 square foot separated entrance at the front door to the store, and some new fagade treatments. Mr. Touchette's written request for an exception to the moratorium addresses each point of the 'exception' criteria contained in Ordinance #03-27. Mr. Touchette has stated that the current condition of the building is such that the proposed upgrades are necessary to achieve economic viability necessary for proper maintenance of the property. The letter further states that the upgrades will not be detrimental to the public welfare but rather enhance the 'street appeal' of the building. And finally, Mr. Touchette's comments reflect that the proposed upgrades meet the intent of the moratorium in that the site will be more aesthetically pleasing to the community without substantially increasing the value of the property. The following items are included for your information: a) b) c) d) e) Site location map Proposed Site Plan Moratorium Ordinance #03-27 Mr. Touchette's Request For Exception dated November 17, 2003 Proposed resolution to approve or deny the request for exception