Agenda - Planning Commission - 09/10/2015

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review. There are several policy questions that need to be asked. The stakeholders will also be contacted for comments. The City Council will adopt the final plan in September. Mr. Gladhill reviewed the broad goals of the original vision. He is looking for some feedback from the Park and Recreation Commission. Commissioner Trappen asked Mr. Gladhill to indicate some of the changes in the plan. One feature was density and parking. There will be more isolated public parking lots. The NW corner of the development at Bunker Lake Blvd and Armstrong Blvd will have more retail vs housing as originally planned. There would be an anchor retail with smaller retail boutique type shops. A lot of the COR park planning includes Lake Ramsey. There will be less green open area. Mr. Riverblood stated this is an opportunity to call attention to successes by holding the vision. This includes the park and trail piece. Parks are a key part of that success. Commissioner Barr asked about the area near the lake and Mr. Gladhill reviewed the parties that own the undeveloped land. Mr. Riverblood reminded the Commission to share with residents about the success of parks. An apartment building is being constructed and the parks are important to that project. This also reflects the diversity of the recreation opportunities within the City. Mr. Gladhill stated there can still be some changes made to the plan and the effect of the Armstrong Interchange to the plan. Chair Bennett stated the park element has continually driven people back to Ramsey with the trails and trail connections. He stated to stay true to the vision as it relates to the parks and the municipal plaza is important. Mr. Gladhill showed the comparison of Ramsey Town Center Master Plan to the COR Development Plan and the Policy Questions for future Discussion and/or Survey (City Council, Advisory Boards and Commissions, Residents). He asked if a community center is an important part of the COR. Chair Bennett stated that needs more discussion. Commissioner Trappen asked if the amphitheater was part of the original plan and Mr. Riverblood stated it was. Commissioner Trappen stated that is a wonderful amenity that needs to be continued in the new plan. Chair Bennett stated he would like to see the consistency of green space throughout the COR. The design of it all being part of the same area is necessary. Mr. Riverblood clarified when speaking of green space that includes benches, trees, sidewalks, picnic tables, trails, etc. Commissioner Trappen stated he would like to continue that green space theme throughout the COR. Commissioner Barr stated it is very inviting for residents and visitors to have the green space areas.