Minutes - Council Work Session - 03/01/2001

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Councilmember Anderson stated that she is interested in the bridge and the opportunity grant. She stated that she does not see a problem with adding a mixed-use area which is tied to the opportunity grant. Ms. Steffen explained that the opportunity grant is simply a study grant. Cal Thorp will present the City with their idea of how to develop the 100 acres and then in September the City will conduct a public hearing to get the opinion of the residents. The grant does not require that the development has to occur as presented by Cal Thorp. Ms. Steffen requested that the Council complete all of the outstanding issues related to the Comprehensive Plan with the exception of the opportunity grant site, and then she will present the Council with a compromise for that site. Councilmember Zimmennan stated that he thinks that there is still more time to study where the North Star corridor station should be located and he is not willing to commit to any one location at this time. Mayor Gamec inquired as to what the City needs to do to hold Section 29. Ms. Steffen replied that she was unable to answer that question. Councilmember Hendriksen stated that it makes the most sense to him to place the North Star Corridor station in the vicinity of Highway #10 and the river bridge crossing. The other alternatives are significantly less desirable to him. City Administrator Norman noted that he met with North Star Corridor staff and indicated that the City would be formally requesting that the station be moved to the west and the North Star staff indicated that they would be willing to work with the City. Mayor Gamec inquired if the City needed to have the Comprehensive Plan completed before the opportunity grant is completed. Ms. Steffen replied yes. The opportunity grant was contingent upon an approved Comprehensive Plan. Councilmember Hendriksen stated that when the plan was sent to the Met Council the Council opposed that location of the North Star Corridor station at Ramsey Boulevard, but the Council was assured that the station could be moved. Ms. Steffen stated that the 100 acre study site cannot be changed, but if there is some concession to be made between Ramsey Boulevard and Armstrong Boulevard as to the location of the station then she is willing to present the Council with a compromise. She also noted that the Met Council is not requiring that "rooftops" be placed around the station. Councilmember Hendriksen suggested keeping the entire site designated as "Places to Work" until the opportunity grant study is completed. City Council Work Session/March 1, 2001 Page 5 of 10