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Ms. Pinnel replied that they could talk to management about that possibility. <br /> <br />Councilmember Kurak stated that residents have expressed they want shopping, transportation, a <br />town center in the City of Ramsey, and a couple of the Councilmembers are fighting to prevent <br />them from happening. <br /> <br />Ms. Steffen inquired if the Council would agree to designating the site as a study site and then <br />allow Cal Thorp to complete the study on the 100 acres and a market study on the remainder of <br />the property. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen stated that if the entire site is designated as mixed use there are <br />certain legal implications, because the City is required to bring the zoning into compliance with <br />the Comprehensive Plan. <br /> <br />Ms. Steffen replied that she would be proposing to not place a designation on the site at this <br />point. It would be left as a study area. Then the City would have to move some housing to a <br />different area in the City and the designation could be determined after the study is completed. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen suggested designating the entire parcel as "places to work" and then <br />indicate that the Council will be submitting a transportation overlay. <br /> <br />Ms. Steffen inquired if the Council is inclined to have a rail station within the 200 acres between <br />Ramsey Boulevard and Armstrong Boulevard. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen inquired as to how big of an area would be needed for the station. <br /> <br />City Administrator Norman replied five acres. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen requested that Ms. Steffen explain to the Met Council that everyone <br />might get more of what they want if the rail station is moved west of Armstrong Boulevard. <br /> <br />Ms. Steffen replied that she can do that, but explained that she is part of making a commitment <br />of getting the City to leave section 29 open for the bridge. She inquired if the City would be <br />willing to have the opportunity grant site study be completed without the rail station being <br />included and then the City can deal directly with North Star. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec replied that he likes the idea of the rail station, but would agree to that. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen stated that his concern is not so much about the commercial or <br />restaurants, but it is the fact that with the rail station comes a great deal of housing. When he is <br />asked to compromise and place the station in between Ramsey Boulevard and Armstrong <br />Boulevard, he draws a circle around the property and is concerned that the site will be mostly <br />housing which will have a negative tax impact on the City as opposed to a light industrial <br />development. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session/March 1, 2001 <br /> Page 9 of 10 <br /> <br /> <br />