Minutes - Planning Commission - 07/09/2015 - Work Session

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Commissioner.VanScoy remarked how the plan for the places of employment (southeast quadrant of the COR) needs to be reevaluated. Community Development Director Gladhill responded, adding with the question, what are appropriate uses within the business park. Commissioner Bauer responded with the fiber-optic in place, it is not marketed towards retail, but should be marked towards others as job opportunities. Chairperson Levine asked for clarification on the second and third policy questions. [2. Are there uses we are not allowing that we do not want to allow? 3. Are there uses we are allowing that we do not want to allow?] Commissioner Nosan asked how we are not allowing uses we do not want when we do not know what those uses are. Chairperson Levine remarked [question 3.] was saying basically what does [the City] not want here. Commissioner Nosan responded saying she does not want the COR to turn into a solid line of bars like Jackson Street in Anoka. Chairperson Levine responded noting that there may be uses we do not want to allow within the development, and that the City should review uses that are currently allowed as part of this process. Community Development Director Gladhill remarked the definition might be too broad. Commissioner VanScoy asked to look at the sub -districts [of the COR], what is their intent, and what do they mean. Chairperson Levine added to Commissioner VanScoy's question with what the sub -district was and what it should be. Commissioner Nosan asked Assistant City Administrator/Economic Development Manager Brama about the possibility of Target in Ramsey. She spoke of her displeasure of driving to Elk River or Coon Rapids just to visit the store. Assistant City Administrator/Economic Development Manager Brama explained how Target in Ramsey comes down to logistics and access. He then went to say there is interest from business based on the Armstrong [Blvd] interchange, but they are waiting for 'more rooftops' in the community. He said it comes down to the economy and how Ramsey is surrounded by communities that have a Target, for example. Community Development Director Gladhill explained that lack access across the Mississippi River to Dayton and across the Rum River reduces the market area or drive -time for retail users. Assistant City Administrator/Economic Development Manager Brama added when speaking to a broker, they discussed how Ramsey is an island within the area, in terms of access [the lack of current highway 10 freeway] and connections [across the Mississippi] to other communities. He Planning Commission Special Work Session/July 9, 2015 Page 6 of 8