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BACKGROUND (Process/PA) <br />Before the HRA is a PA for a potential land transaction. Moving forward, if PA is approved and executed, the <br />buyer will enter a period of due -diligence; in which they will seek to complete a number of items --notably <br />receiving Site Plan approval by February 18th, 2015. Closing for this potential transaction is March 4, 2015. <br />Construction of this potential project is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2015 and to be completed in the late <br />summer 2015. <br />Notification: <br />NA <br />Observations/Alternatives: <br />Alternative 1: Accept the proposed PA <br />Why should this alternative be considered? Based on past practice for the City of Ramsey, the proposed <br />project would be considered a traditional economic development project. This proposed project would bring <br />23 jobs paying $17.00-$23.00 per hour; and would bring 3-5 new jobs within 2 years. The projected total <br />property taxes for the proposed development is $26,200 annually (over 10 years, with no inflation, this <br />would equate to $262,000). Today, this property is tax exempt. All Seasons is proposing a quality facility that <br />will help improve the image of U.S. Highway 10 in the heart of Ramsey. Lastly, it is Staffs opinion, based on <br />interactions with the All Seasons management team, this prospect will be a quality addition to the Ramsey <br />business community. <br />Why should the purchase price be considered? As outlined in the background section of this case, the <br />Ramsey HRA purchased 6710 Highway 10 to remove a blighted building/site conditions and return the <br />property back to the private sector for redevelopment. This property was purchased with Anoka County HRA <br />dollars which were levied and intended for said type of use (to remove blight and encourage redevelopment). <br />Both goals would be accomplished by moving this project forward. <br />When the site was purchased, the purchase price ($361,100) included a building, site improvements, and <br />direct access to U.S. Highway 10. All improvements have been removed. Direct access to this site will be <br />eliminated --based on the Highway 10 Access Planning Study anticipated for adoption in November. <br />Additionally, although this site is located adjacent to City infrastructure, it doesn't have the ability to connect <br />to a regional stormwater pond so the required stormwater ponding for new development (the previous use <br />was "grandfathered" with no stormwater ponding) will need to provide stormwater treatment for back-to-back <br />100-year rainfall events. Lastly, this prospect is fast moving and highly motivated to complete a project by <br />summer 2015. A major in the PA process will increase the risk this prospect considers alternative sites. <br />Why should this alternative not be considered? If the HRA requires a higher transaction price for the sale of <br />this property; or, the HRA is not satisfied with the proposed use for this site. <br />Alternative 2: Provide staff with direction to renegotiate a portion(s) of the proposed PA. <br />If the HRA requires a higher transaction price for the sale of this property, or the HRA is unsatisfied with <br />portions of this PA, staff would recommend a counter-offer to the prospect. This PA has been reviewed by <br />the City Attorney and City real estate broker for errors and concerns. <br />Alternative 3: Reject the proposed PA. <br />Staff would not recommend the proposed PA be rejected with no direction for renegotiation. <br />Funding Source: <br />The property was originally purchased with Anoka County HRA funds, designated for the City of Ramsey. <br />Therefore, all sales proceeds from this transaction with return to the City, unrestricted as to their future use. It is <br />recommended that land proceeds be returned to the City's Economic Development Fund, to be used for future <br />economic development projects. <br />Recommendation: <br />