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Mr. Pankratz stated that the high density proposed for this building would fit with the location <br />near the railroad tracks. <br />Councilmember Riley asked for a comparison of how housing would play into drawing <br />commercial and retail opportunities. <br />Mr. Pankratz stated that demographics is what draws in commercial and retail uses, noting that <br />increased population attracts retail opportunity. <br />Councilmember Kuzma stated that he likes that this project is designed for seniors and is close to <br />the train, grocery store, and park space. <br />Mayor Strommen stated that she is still struggling with how this would fit the vision. She stated <br />that if mixed use, retail on the bottom and residential on the top, will not work, the Council <br />should then revisit the vision. She stated that perhaps the Council has additional work to do <br />before the vision can be changed. <br />Councilmember Riley stated that residents are not asking for more apartments and seem to be <br />disappointed in that. He did not think the City should be subsidizing something that residents are <br />not asking for. <br />Councilmember LeTourneau stated that perhaps this is not an issue of subsidy but instead an <br />issue of demand. He recognized that there is a need. for housing and stressed that housing <br />attracts retail, but did not think this is the best location under the vision. <br />Mr. Pankratz stated that the market changes and there are a number of parcels which can handle <br />a number of different developments throughout Ramsey. <br />Mayor Strommen stated that a few years ago there was a push to move ahead and there were <br />public discussions about potential commercial/retail which did not come to fruition and believed <br />that is what is causing the public frustration. She believed that discussions should be realistic in <br />terms of what is possible. <br />Mr. Anderson stated that Dominium is proposing independent living seniors, noting that there is <br />a huge need in the marketplace for this type of housing. <br />Asst. City Administrator/Economic Development Manager Brama advised under Minnesota <br />Statutes, Section 13D.05, Subd.3, the meeting can move into Closed Session to discuss <br />Dominium Development and Acquisition LLC's potential purchase of City owned property. <br />Motion by Councilmember Shryock, seconded by Councilmember Johns, to move to Closed <br />Session to discuss acquisition negotiations. <br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Strommen, Councilmembers Shryock, Johns, Kuzma, <br />LeTourneau, and Riley. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember Williams. <br />City Council / July 14, 2015 <br />Page 11 of 13 <br />