Minutes - Planning Commission - 03/14/2013 - Work Session

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Matt Kuker, Mary T., Inc., noted the Class A office space market is very slow but that Class B is in demand. Ms. Tjsvold asked where there are other open spaces with the necessary density for the proposed residential product. Development Services Manager Gladhill indicated other potential areas but noted the Veterans Administration Clinic and Northstar Commuter Rail are the driving factors of this project. Ms. Tjsvold shared their initial proposal of 68 villas containing one or two bedrooms that are totally accessible. She said their target user would be veterans that would be integrated into the community and with their families. She said Mary T., Inc. has been in business for 37 years, adding that they offer assisted technology to allow people to live the way they want. She outlined assisted technology examples that feature sensors for doors, air - conditioning, emergency calls for when someone falls or wanders, along with pillow sensor options. Ms. Tjsvold shared communication options with items such as medical records, which would be an added benefit for Ramsey. She stated they also have a long history working with people with brain injuries and that this project has the potential to offer other types of housing, such as apartment buildings with different levels of service, home health, therapies, and hospice. Ms. Tjsvold said they are good at taking care of people through a wide breadth of health care and that they would be a good match for Ramsey. She stated that they were looking for agreement in concept before they move forward with more detail. Commissioner Brauer said the land parcel includes the main T -1 line for the internet, adding there is currently 30% of black fiber not being used so this parcel may be a good match for them as well. He said this line would allow Mary T. to tie into many different things. Ms. Tjsvold said their program of SmartCare helps provide a safe environment in the home but also provides communication with the outside world. Development Services Manager Gladhill noted the broader fiber optic project is going on as well. Commissioner Van Scoy inquired about the different levels of need. Ms. Tjsvold said they have 50 villa units in Coon Rapids that are rented and offer services in the home, which is similar to what they are proposing for Ramsey. She said this would be the start of a continuum of service should more services be needed over time. Ms. Tjsvold said they could contract with a commercial kitchen such as the Falls Cafe for food service, adding that being family -owned she predicts these villas will rent quickly and that no phases will be needed. Chairperson Levine asked how this project compared with their Coon Rapids campus. Ms. Tjsvold shared the elevation proposals, noting the campus has small catered service, two villas that serve four men with brain injuries their own private space, and 39 more one -level villas with services. She added that the project is 100% occupied and is financially sound. Planning Commission/March 14, 2013 Page 3 of 7