Minutes - Council - 10/22/2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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became effective on July 30, 2001. In accordance with State Statutes, the City could extend that moratorium up to an additional six months beyond the July 30, 2003 expiration date. City Staff recommended implementation of a development moratorium along the north side of the T.H. gl 0 corridor in accordance with the discussions of the Economic Development Authority, Town Center Task Force, and City Council Public Works Committee. Letters were received from James Deal, NAU Country Insurance Company; Gregory Dolphin, Dolphin Real Estate Management, LLC; and David Hoeschen, Holiday Stationstores, Inc. opposing the moratorium. Mayor Gamec stated that at this time they are unsure as to what is going to happen with the Highway gl 0 corridor. A plan is being considered that will relocate the highway to run along the railroad tracks and eventually the area will be opened up for freeway status. If that were to occur there will be no buildings on the north side of Highway gl0 between the railroad tracks and the highway. Because of all the things happening, the City is waiting to receive information from the State before .making any decisions regarding the corridor. There is an environmental impact study that is currently being completed for the proposed river bridge crossing. The City is not sure when the changes are going to occur, but they do have to plan for it. The City does not want to make a lot of commitments to businesses until they know what is going to occur in the future. The moratorium will provide for an opt out clause that will allow the Council to lift the moratorium on a piece of property if they feel it would be appropriate. It is his hope that after the first of the year they will have some direction, but for now the City needs some time to do some planning. His personal opinion was to not let the moratorium go over a six-month period. Councilmember Zimmerman stated that in the T.H. g47 project, the City of Ramsey helPed the highway department rebuild the highway at a cost of 2.2 million dollars. The total project cost was 6.46 million. MnDOT is more receptive to cities where the city is willing to work with MnDOT. Highway gl0 is becoming very congested and it behooves them to work with MnDOT to come up with some long-term solutions. Mayor Gamec stated that he hopes to be able to give the property owners some answers after the first part of the year. He stated that he would try and push the issue as fast as he can. Councilmember Kurak stated that she has concerns as to what the moratorium will do to those businesses that are looking at remodeling or upgrading their existing businesses. She inquired if business owners will be able to update their properties during the moratorium. Community Development Director Frolik stated that staff was looking for some direction from the Council as to what the scope of the moratorium would be. She noted that there are several instances along Highway gl 0 where business owners are going to be .doing pavement over the next six months. City Council/October 22, 2002 Page 7 of 37