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Mr. Pankratz said the feedback has been positive on the City's timely response to questions and <br /> it is meeting and exceeding peer cities on providing developers what they need. He stressed the <br /> importance of zoning and creating flexibility. <br /> Mr. McComb said mixed uses with retail/office above are difficult to pull off because the <br /> primary use is the most important and that the City should think through the concept first. He <br /> said the demographic change is that millennials are increasing their presence and boomers are <br /> diminishing and it will be important for Ramsey to think about appealing to this segment to have <br /> them want to live here. <br /> 4. QUESTION &ANSWER <br /> Community Development Director Gladhill offered the floor for questions from the audience. <br /> Bill Kingston, audience member, said he was confused about retail and Highway 10 visibility <br /> and how the overpass is a bad thing but was needed to attract retail. <br /> Mr. McComb said the interchange was needed for access but visibility is important because 45% <br /> of interchanges do not allow visibility of pylon signs or stores in time for travelers to exit a <br /> freeway or highway ramp. <br /> Mr. Pankratz asked about US Bank and other sign variances. <br /> Community Development Director Gladhill said the overlay district had a signage base height of <br /> 25 feet but is now 75 feet. <br /> Mr. Pankratz complimented the City on having a plan ready but cautioned against not having 40- <br /> 50 signs but instead having an anchor tenant with combined pylon signs. <br /> Ms. Kvilvang said there are unintended consequences as the ramp was absolutely necessary for <br /> traffic flow but is a little too tall and suggested retail signage earlier on Highway 10 west retail <br /> signage. <br /> Councilmember Riley asked about mixed use over retail use. <br /> Ms. Kvilvang said vertical mixed use does not work because retail and ceiling heights change <br /> and create obsolete markets. She said if it was so great it would be everywhere but it is not. She <br /> suggested activity on first floor space like a gym or community rooms instead could work. <br /> Community Development Director Gladhill referred future challenges of mixed use now to <br /> residential use and converted to ground floor retail. <br /> Mr. Pankratz said financing is a challenge as well as parking issues at either street, below or at <br /> grade. He said the City reaches out to big box retailers on a quarterly basis and while you do not <br /> want to cannibalize stores Ramsey is on the radar with several retailers so they know you are <br /> here. <br /> The COR Market Panel Moderated Session / October 27, 2016 <br /> Page 8 of 9 <br />