Agenda - Council Work Session - 06/01/2004

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Northstar Corridor R~msey Station Rail Station Feasibility Study Chapter 2 Background Data Ramsey Information and Location Data The City of Ramsey, covering approximately 28 square miles, is bounded by the Mississippi River on the south and the Rum River on the east. Ramsey is located in Anoka County along Trunk Highway (TH) 10 between the Northstar commuter rail stations proposed for Elk River and Anoka. Ramsey is located approximately 24 miles northwest of Minneapolis, approximately 4 miles from the proposed Anoka commuter rail station, and approximately 5.5 miles from the proposed Elk River commuter rail stati°n. The Town Center development project in Ramsey is located one block north of TH 10 between Ramsey Boulevard (CSAH 56) and Armstrong Boule- vard (CSAH 83) and includes the Northstar rail alignment. In the vicinity of Ramsey, TH 10 carries approximately 37,000 cars per day. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) rail line adjacent to the Town Center property is an active freight main line. Ramsey includes more than 500 acres of city and county parkland and an extensive trail system. The Town Center site is approximately 322 acres of predominantly agricultural land. Ramsey's development 9oals for the Town Center site include creating a mixed-use, transit-oriented environment; enhancing connections to adjacent neighborhoods, office developments, and jobs; creating diversified housing that accommodates pedestrian activ!ty and access to transit; and enhancing connections to nearby natural and recreational areas. Figure 2-1 shows the proposed Ramsey Town Center and proposed station area. Demographic Data The estimated population (year 2000) for Ramsey was 18,500, with a median household income of almost $70,000 per year. There are approximately 5,900 households in Ramsey and' almost 5,950 total housing units. The median resident age is 32.1 years, and the median house value is $143,500 (in year 2000 dollars). Compared to the Minnesota state averages, Ramsey is above average in household income and house value, with a much higher percentage of home owner- ship (as opposed to rental) than the state:average. From 1990 to 2000, the population rose from 12,400 to 18,500, a more than 49 percent increase. The current population forecast for 2020 is 30,900, which would come close to doubling the 2000 population. The number of households increased from 3,620 in 1990 to 5,906 in 2000, more than a 63 percent increase. Of the estimated 18,500 population, more than 10,600 are employed, mostly in the management/professional, sales/office, manufacturing, and retail categories. Land-Use Data Existing Land-Use (Year 2000) The City of Ramsey covers 28 square miles and is bordered by the Rum River and the Missis- sippi River. Land use in the area of the proposed Ramsey station is strongly influenced by TH Kirnley-Horn and Associates, Inc. 2-] March 2004 -2-