Minutes - Council Work Session - 02/04/2003 - Joint with Town Center Task Force

Home

survey, a Mixed-Use City survey, Town Center Retail Analysis conducted by the McComb Group, Anoka-Hennepin School District report, draft Town Center design standards and zoning ordinances, and a Town Center concept plan. Councihnember Strommen stated that having the community buy in to the Town Center project is very important, and questioned if there is an open house planned in the future to discuss the plans. Ms. Hunter replied yes, explaining that the Town Center Task Force wanted to inform the Council as to where they were in the process prior to conducting a community meeting. The Council reviewed the Town Center Retail Analysis completed by the McComb Group and discussed the different types of facilities that could be placed within the Town Center and the importance of a having a unique area to attract people. The Council also discussed the fact that the developer is working to provide life cycle housing within the Town Center area to include high-end housing as well as affordable housing. Bonnie Thompson, Vice-Chair of the Town Center Task Force, explained that many communities are providing life cycle housing to allow cities to provide the different housing styles their residents need. Ms. Hunter stated that by making an effort to contain the housing in an area along a major transportation corridor they will be able to protect the rural population in the City. Principal ?lanner Trudgeon noted that staff has been meeting with the developer to discuss the design standards and zoning ordinances the Town Center Task Force has been putting together. The Ramsey Town Center LLC group is comfortable with the format the City is using, but they are still in the working stages. Councihnember Elvig inquired if the ordinances will give the City control as to what happens within the Town Center area. Principal Planner Trudgeon explained that they are looking at a process that would involve a master sketch plan and then divide it into sub-areas that is a little more detailed, which would be agreed to and then from there they would get into the platting phases of certain areas. Will Thompson, Town Center Task Force Member, explained that there are several transportation issues that can impact the site such as the realignment of Highway #10, a future river bridge crossing, and the North Star corridor. The key interest is making sure that the Town Center is connected to a main traffic system. Councihnember Kurak noted that the developer is planning on constructing a commuter station along the railroad whether or not the North Star rail comes to the City or not. City Council - Town Center Task Force/February 4, 2003 Page 2 of 3