Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 05/08/2014

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residential or potentially as a park. The parcel may be sold with the proceeds to be dedicated to the Parks Trust Fund. CBRE, the City’s preferred broker, has listed for sale the property directly west of this property (just across Puma) and will soon be listing the property connected to this one – these listings are private and guided for residential use, per the City’s current zoning map. CBRE has made mention that the City begin thinking about the sale of this property, as the residential market and absorption rates of land are robust at this time. CBRE has stated that residential developers are ready and willing to purchase land such as this. The subject parcel is in the middle of over 80 acres listed privately by CBRE. CBRE is encouraging determining the future use of the subject parcel as its value (materially and monetarily) is greater if linked to the parcels east and west for future residential development. The 4.11 acre parcel is owned by the City of Ramsey, necessitating an introduction and adoption of an ordinance to sell the parcel, per the City Charter. If the City desires to sell it, that process takes time – thus the timing of this case before the Commission now. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood provided three alternatives for Commission consideration: Alternative #1: Recommend to the City Council to ready the subject property for sale, as part of the larger area but not in isolation and to receive sale proceeds for the Park Trust Fund, as well as support the greater development plans set forth by the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Alternative #2: Decline recommending readying the subject property for sale. Alternative #3: Any of the above alternatives with adjustments as discussed/necessitated at the meeting. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated staff is recommending Alternative #1 and not recommending the sale of that parcel separately. Commissioner Bennett asked if the funds from the sale of the property would go into the Park Trust Fund and Mr. Riverblood stated it would. Commissioner Barr asked if this parcel was sold would the developer need to provide park dedication. Mr. Riverblood stated if it was replatted and a new building lot was created there would be park dedication due on the total area. Commissioner Trappen asked what was meant by the proceeds going for the Park Trust Fund as well as support the greater development plans set forth by the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Riverblood stated this land would be part of the larger parcel for consideration. Chair Olsen asked if any planned trails would be affected. Mr. Riverblood stated there are trails along Puma and Alpine now and there may need to be some connecting trails from this property. Park and Recreation Commission/May 8, 2014 Page 3 of 8