Agenda - Council - 05/26/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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reviewed the ranges of pricing from $300,000s to $500,000s. He stated that they see Ramsey as a wonderful community with a lot of City amenities and that can be relatively affordable compared to other areas in the metro where houses cannot be built for under $500,000. Commissioner VanScoy asked if the 55-foot lots would have a homeowners' association. Mr. Schmidt replied that similar to the last case, the homeowners' association would maintain the common space within the entire development and then would also provide yard and snow service to the 55-foot lot homes. Councilmember Musgrove stated that there is a variety of housing in Ramsey and asked staff for input on the market for the different housing types. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl stated that developers have stated that the villas continue to sell well in Ramsey, but there has also been development of 2.5-acre homes which also sold well. She stated that Ramsey is a desirable place to live. She commented that the middle section lots may have a harder time selling. She stated that the housing study stated that there is a demand for a variety of housing types in Ramsey. She stated that the demand is there but that does not mean that the City needs to allow it. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that the City has seen requests for the villa product with a few development requests of the larger 2.5 acre lots. He stated that the 80-foot lot developments are more challenging because of the lot price and related increase in pricing. He used the example of the previous municipal center site which began with 80-foot lots in the first phase and changed to 65-foot lots in the second phase. Chairperson Bauer stated that within the Riverstone development the narrow lots continue to sell as quickly as they are built. He stated that he also appreciates that he does not have to shovel snow or mow grass. Commissioner Woestehoff asked if there is any estimation on the timeline or how that may have to be shifted because of COVID-19. Mr. Schmidt stated that COVID-19 has had an impact, noting that they planned to construct 700 lots this year but will probably shift that to 300. He stated that the homes are still selling, although at about half the rate as expected. He stated that they perhaps would have pushed to begin in 2020 but are now planning to begin in 2021. He noted that this would be a seven-year project for full completion. Commissioner Peters asked when the park would be constructed, that if this moves forward and the park is included. Mr. Schmidt replied that they are still early in the process so he is unsure on the phasing or when the park could be accessed. He noted that they would want the park as soon as possible as that would be a selling tool for the development. He stated that they are building a similar project in Hugo that has a City park in the middle and they worked hard to have the park constructed sooner Planning Commission/ May 7, 2020 Page 4 of 21