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2004 CDBG FUNDS <br /> <br />By: Sean M. Sullivan, Economic Development / TIF Specialist <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br />The City of Ramsey received $220,000 in Commumty Develo. pment Block Grant (CDBG) funds for 2003. <br />These funds were used to assist in redeveloping the older areas of Gateway North Industrial Park Plat '2 ("Tin <br />Pan Alley,') of Ramsey, specifically regarding activities relating to the Chies and Morrell properties. As of this <br />Fall, both properties have been acquired but much work is still needed to be done. Demolition, site <br />improvements, and other redevelopment activities are necessary to make these properties marketable. These <br />activities can, and are being funded tl~rough Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District No. 2. <br /> <br />The funding cycle for 2004 CDBG funds is just around the comer and it is important to address redevelopment. <br />needs throughout the City of Ramsey. The City has identified the following properties: B & A Cylinder, Robert <br />'Debee and KIH Erecting as parcels that are in need of redevelopment. Seeking funding from CDBG to assist in <br />acquisition costs would be a way to help expedite what we all know is a long and expensive redevelopment <br /> <br />process. <br /> <br />Observations: <br /> <br />Staff met with the City Administrator to discuss potential CDBG projects. It is Staff's opinion that acquiring <br />the above listed properties would remove existing blight and complement the Town Center Project. The <br />acquisition of the B & A Cylinder property would allow for the City to close an access to Ramsey Boulevard, <br />reserve land for a future Hwy 10 interchange and to possibly induce the construction of a 30,000 S.F. project on <br />the remaining land. The Debee and KIH parcels will be redeveloped with the potential of two 25,000 S.F. <br />projects. City Staff has completed a feasibility study (included in attacl:unent) of the possibility of creating a <br />redevelopment TIF district for the area. The study shows positive results and the city can move forward with its <br />creation pending statutory requirements. Staff feels that the City should apply for the CDBG Grant with the <br />expressed purpose of acquiring, demolishing and improving sites within the aforementioned area (see <br />attachment). Staff also feels that this project is consistent with the goals and direction that the EDA has <br />expressed currently and in the past. Staff is seeking a recommendation from the EDA to apply for CDBG funds <br />to be utilized within the area south of AEC Energy. Park. <br /> <br />Recommendation: <br /> <br />EDA to recommend to the City Council that the City of Ramsey submit a CDBG application to Anoka County <br />to obtain funds to continue file redevelopment effort in the area south of AEC Energy Park. <br /> <br />Review Checklist: <br /> <br />City Administrator, Jim Norman <br />Associate Plarmer, Megan Wald <br />Community Development Director, Sylvia Frolik <br /> <br />EDA: 12.01.03 <br /> <br /> <br />