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City’s attractiveness to the business community. He stated that more rooftops will help to drive <br />the workforce and retail market. <br /> <br />Councilmember Kuzma stated that when the City approved phase one for Aeon, it was always a <br />plan for phase two to follow. He stated that extensions were given when Aeon had difficulty <br />obtaining financing, but that ultimately ended. He stated that he was concerned that putting a <br />pause on development of multi-family housing could give the City a bad reputation. He <br />commented that if Aeon could obtain funding, he would support the project. <br /> <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan explained that the original agreement with Aeon <br />approved the first phase with the second phase to occur five years later, which would have been <br />2021. He noted that the clock began quicker than expected, which ended in this situation rather <br />than the 2021 phasing. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht echoed the comments of Councilmember Riley that the City should <br />pause on higher density within The COR and focus on other development at this time. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove referenced the Aeon project and asked if Aeon would be in a better <br />position for funding if there was a purchase agreement involved. She stated that she would like <br />to see some retail established and get a better idea of the traffic counts and rooftop numbers <br />desired by businesses. <br /> <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan replied that data varies from user to user, but typically <br />for national retailers they would want between 20,000 to 30,000 within the five-mile trade area, <br />however depending on traffic counts some users will consider sites based on other retailers in the <br />area. He commented that in the past, a retailer would provide a minimum qualification sheet, but <br />that information is no longer being shared and sites are being reviewed on an individual basis. <br />He stated that in terms of Aeon, the level of ownership or control of the site has changed slightly, <br />therefore having a purchase agreement would allow them to apply for the funding now. He <br />provided details on the potential timing, should funding be secured. He reviewed the recent <br />large construction projects that have occurred within Ramsey in the past two years, noting that <br />those day workers bring dollars into the daytime business community and are a benefit to the <br />City. <br /> <br />Councilmember Menth stated that Aeon provides workforce housing, which helps people get <br />started and is a desire of the businesses within Ramsey. He noted that the area within The COR <br />is zoned for this type of development. He noted that he would like to see the relationship the <br />City has with Aeon continued through the second phase. He stated that if retailers feel that there <br />is an opening to capitalize on the community, they will. He stated that if a pause is placed on <br />construction, that will slow the development of the City and he is against that. <br /> <br />Mayor LeTourneau stated that he supports continuing to move along the City’s plan, which was <br />designed to create rooftops that would drive demand. He stated that while that has begun, the <br />business community is looking for local workforce and the Aeon project would provide that. He <br />stated that ultimately, people want to live in this style of housing and are occupying it almost as <br />fast as it is built. He appreciated that the City has guidelines, and this type of development will <br />City Council Work Session / April 28, 2020 <br />Page 5 of 6 <br /> <br />