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Asst. City Administrator /Economic Development Manager Brama stated his understanding that <br />St. Katherine Drexel analyzed its needs and potential of the existing site and found it would be <br />more appropriate for a site within The COR. <br />Mr. Bauer stated he talked with Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood <br />that long- range, Ramsey may be interested in expanding Central Park. He stated St. Katherine <br />Drexel has no qualms with having that be its location, but realizes that Central Park is blocked in <br />by roadways and residential so the only way to expand is to use the property owned by St. <br />Katherine Drexel. <br />Mayor Pro Tem Backous asked the Council to first address whether the City needs to expand <br />Central Park. <br />Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated there are a lot of moving <br />parts to this consideration including certain expansion to Central Park that does not preclude St. <br />Katherine Drexel from using the southeast corner of its site. He explained how the two uses <br />(Central Park and St. Katherine Drexel) would be compatible with each other for shared parking, <br />recreational, and park facilities. That was part of the earlier discussions. Parks and Assistant <br />Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated staff tried to enumerate that discussion about <br />expansion of Central Park and found, at a minimum, the City should look to any means possible <br />to acquire 66 feet of right -of -way to solve the significant parking and traffic conflicts. The other <br />essence of the policy discussion is the significant value in having like -park uses in one space <br />versus two spaces, especially for larger events and games. Parks and Assistant Public Works <br />Superintendent Riverblood noted that moving forward, there will be likely less space for <br />community parks that is suitable for that use. In addition, the price goes up exponentially. <br />Mayor Pro Tem Backous stated he met with the Anoka- Ramsey Athletic Association Baseball <br />Commissioner who commented on how short they were on fields for their program. <br />Councilmember Riley agreed that St. Katherine Drexel is a great asset to Ramsey and been a <br />good neighbor. He supported staff's continued efforts to obtain the 66 -foot right -of -way strip. <br />Councilmember Riley felt that having ten acres of prime land in The COR, held indefinitely and <br />only partially developed, is not beneficial to the City. In addition, it does not help with the TIF <br />consideration as it cost the City $5.3 million in proceeds of TIF, which pales in comparison with <br />the sales price. Councilmember Riley stated he does not think it appropriate to hold property <br />within The COR undeveloped for a long period of time. <br />Mayor Pro Tem Backous stated the City brought this forward, not the church. He noted a land <br />swap would affect TIF and result in a net reduction in taxable property (park and church uses). <br />He asked if there would be a density issue with the Metropolitan Council if this is considered <br />since the site would not contain housing. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill noted a majority of that land is located in the retail <br />area (non residential) but broadly, it could have an impact to the City's housing forecast. <br />City Council Work Session / October 28, 2014 <br />Page 4 of 9 <br />