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Community Development Director Gladhill stated originally it was a part of the Ramsey Town <br />Center in 2003. He stated most recently in 2011, after they went through a revision process they <br />changed how they approached the development pattern and concentrated on the first quarter <br />mile. <br />Chairperson Steffen asked if there has been any research done that indicated the economy <br />supported it. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill stated there have been market studies done. The <br />Northstar Community Development Authority finished up a study in 2012 -2013 that supported <br />some of this. The Planning Commission mentioned this is a good time to look at that plan. <br />Chairperson Steffen asked if the purchase agreement was passed by the Council unanimously. <br />He stated it was troubling to him that after it went to the Council, it went to zoning and items <br />were red flagged and now it appears that the deal potentially may not close. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill stated the development and zoning plans were well <br />known and it was stated that they would be able to meet those standards. As PSD started to go <br />through their planning, they started to have trouble reaching the standards and as part of their <br />natural process of design, they found some better market data. <br />Chairperson Steffen asked if the proposal was far from what the City wanted. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill did not think the City wanted to risk losing the <br />project and have planned several alternatives in order to make the project happen. <br />The Board paused for a moment of silence at 7:47 a.m. to remember the victims of 9/11. <br />Member Riley stated at the Council meeting, there was no discussion about forcing the deal or <br />losing it. PSD was being flexible in working with staff and they were looking for direction. <br />PSD is willing to build the parking ramp if the numbers work.' <br />Member LeTourneau agreed. <br />Member Williams stated in her experience, this type of due diligence process is part of a <br />development like this. There is usually a rapid turnaround from the time a purchase agreement is <br />signed to the closing date and for a commercial project of this size that is short. PSD is asking <br />what modifications are required and it does not sound concerning to ask for a change in the <br />density. Member Williams asked what options there are to modify at this point. <br />Member Riley stated market forces were also discussed at the Council meeting. There was no <br />talk about government forcing what it is going to look like. <br />Chairperson Steffen asked if it would be appropriate to ask for the PSD market study. <br />Economic Development Authority /September 11, 2014 <br />Page 3 of 7 <br />