Ramsey Resident - 2015 - January/February

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New Ramsey USPS Cat 74 6(or1�1mlc-atolc. s C&C"ff evc Contract Postal Unit A New Beginning For the past two de- By Kurt Ulrich, City Administrator cades City staff and elected US US officials have attempted to Community leaders recently hosted a notable event to celebrate the work with the t Postal start of construction for what is probably the largest single road project Service to secure an octal in Ramsey's history; the construction of an interchange at US Highway pendent ZIP code for the 10 and Armstrong Blvd. (County Road 83). City of Ramsey. In 2013, Mayor Strommen welcomed and introduced a distinguished panel of the City made another attempt at a new speakers that included U.S. Senator Klobuchar, Governor Dayton, U.S. ZIP code and fell short. At the time, U.S. Representative Bachmann, U.S. Representative -elect Emmer, Anoka Postal Service officials reported an effort County Commissioner Look, and MnDOT Commissioner Zelle, all ". was being made to reduce the number acknowledging that this project is, in the words of Governor Dayton, . of post offices in the Twin Cities; and an exciting and important project..:' subsequently, a potential reduction in ZIP Why the big deal? codes. First, this project marks the start of significant public safety im- In early 2014, a very motivated and provements along Highway 10 between Ramsey and Anoka. This passionate Ramsey resident took it upon stretch of highway has seen over 1600 accidents and 13 fatalities over herself to lead a new charge to secure a the past ten years. The interchange will be the first unrestricted access Ramsey ZIP code. In response to a well- that our police, fire, and emergency medical responders will have across presented request, the U.S. Postal Service the railroad tracks. Unfortunately, as the tracks have become increas- has officially agreed to establish a "Con- ingly busy with train traffic, the probability of a critical delay in service tract Postal Unit" in the City of Ramsey. would continue to grow without the interchange construction. A "Contract Postal Unit" is a business Second, part of the City's vision is one step closer to realization. partnership with a local retailer that pro- As we strive to "Achieve economic vitality with strategic infrastructure vides U.S. Postal products and services to investment... ", the City is literally building a bridge to the future. For the community. Ramsey, the future is created by a greater ability to attract market - driven Since May 2014, staff has worked with economic development. This growth will provide the additional retail the U.S. Postal Service to identify poten stores, service businesses, and restaurants that residents have identified as tial Contract Postal Unit locations and priorities in the recent Citizen's Survey. facilitate communication with Ramsey Finally, one of the City's four strategic goals is to achieve a connect - businesses and property owners. Recently, ed community. The interchange will make it safer and more convenient the U.S. Postal Service made their selec- to travel within and outside of the community. The interchange is not tion: Coborn's Grocery Store located just safer for automobiles and trucks, but for bicyclists and pedestri- within The COR. This new "Contract ans as well. For commuters and commercial businesses, this project is Postal Unit" will open by February 2015; the first project in a plan that will eliminate all the traffic lights from and will offer all services currently offered Ramsey through Anoka. The improved connections for our residents at the existing Anoka P.O. and businesses are important to the quality of life in Ramsey. Although a Ramsey "Contract Postal Clearly, this new beginning on Highway 10, is a big step forward for Unit" will not result in a new ZIP code our community. for Ramsey, this is a positive step in the right direction. The City would like to recognize the importance of late Ramsey 2015 Winter Reading Program resident Patti Gates for her significant efforts in securing a "Contract Postal "Winter Jackets" - Anoka County Library's winter reading program Unit" in Ramsey. Without Ms. Gates, this for adults and young people over 16 - is here once more during January important step for the community would and February! For more details, please contact Rum River Library, 4201 remain unfulfilled. 6th Ave. NW, Anoka, 763- 576 -4695, or anokacountylibrary.org. 4 Ramsey Resident • January /February 2015