Agenda - Planning Commission - 07/10/2014

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City of Ramsey GUIDING PRINCIPLES: ARMSTRONG WEST AND FUTURE BUSINESS PARK COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT BACKGROUND A future business park has been identified as a high priority project by the Economic Development Authority (EDA). The City has been analyzing potential locations, involving landowners and the community via public input sessions and has defined a location for development of a business park. The City has defined an area generally west of Armstrong Boulevard and south of the Bunker Lake Boulevard extension as the most appropriate location for a business park; after analysis of utility availability and extension, willingness of landowners to sell, road access, proper zoning and synergies between land uses. The City feels the proposed mix of uses provides appropriate synergies (for example: providing a buffer for the residential development with a natural break and business park against Highway 10) for successful development per the demands of both sectors of the local economy. It is noteworthy that with infrastructure currently extended along Bunker Lake Boulevard, the southerly portion of the proposed business park is in essence ready for development with an appropriate Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Amendment. PURPOSE The purpose of this document is to provide a framework to develop a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to establish a new, private Business Park Guide; and, specifically identify a common goal, vision, and working parameters that will garner public input. The desired outcome of this document is to develop a clear, consistent, transparent and fair process the City, prospective developers, property owners and Staff can rely on as proposals are received. The Planning Commission shall act as first point of contact for City in relation to the Future Business Park Comprehensive Plan Amendment by utilizing this Guiding Principles document. This Guiding Principles document will evolve over time and partner with the Economic Development Authority (EDA) as the project progresses towards implementation. Note: The City Council makes all final policy decisions; which may deviate from this document. This document is not a legally binding agreement. GOAL To amend the City's Comprehensive Plan to guide additional areas for future employment and future business park growth. PUBLIC INPUT Feedback from a recent public input session has further grounded the subject location as a business park with an inclusion of residential development on the northern end. Staff, in conjunction with the subject property owners and the City's preferred broker CBRE, has identified market driven demand for residential development complimented by the COR and a business park along Highway 10. Guiding Principles for Armstrong West: Future Business Park Comprehensive Plan Amendment Page 1 of 5