Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 01/14/2021

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This Framework and Policy Plan focuses on the very center of The Center of Ramsey's 320 acre downtown referred to as The COR. The fact that the community is succeeding in the primary vision of having its own downtown and identity cannot be understated. The COR is over half built -out according to plan, with favorable progress continuing even within and through the Great Recession. This is attributable to Ramsey residents, and leadership, holding to the original vision for a pedestrian oriented, successful, vibrant downtown —this Center Street Area Framework and Policy Plan is an implementation strategy that supports the vison and objectives of The COR Design Framework which cites an 'implied responsibility' to carry forth the goals in site planning and design: All participants in the development of The COR recognize the local and regional impacts of this project and the various systems that play an important role. Each parcel and each building must fit within the context of the entire plan. Individual projects must complement, not compete with, adjacent development in terms of public green space, walk and trail connections, stormwater management solutions, street layout, parking strategies, land use mix and building design."The Center Street Area Framework and Policy Plan does just this, by integrating and interrelating the above tenets. The COR Design Framework goes on to list the three Objectives: • Overall COR design (and all new private development within The COR) will accommodate stormwater from new projects and from off site, and highlight stormwater features as an amenity. • Bikeways and pedestrian routes into The COR from adjacent neighborhoods must be designed for safety and ease of access, suggesting thata person on a bicycle has an equally accessible route to [and within] downtown. • Parks and open space will be easily accessible to all COR residents, visitors, people who work here and also for the citizens of Ramsey and the surrounding area. *This connected green system is reminiscent of the world renowned 'Grand Rounds' of Minneapolis. *The above is also mirrored in The Circle of Ramsey Greenway, of which The COR, is an integral part and a destination within. The COR was an organic, citizen led movement in delivering an urban downtown with its amenities for the whole community, while also 'taking some of the development pressure off' the more rural areas of the city. The success in finding that balance has been due to thoughtful, reasoned residents —unified in mission and vision. Future Ramsey residents can thanktoday's residents and Planning Commission, Economic Development Authority, the Park and Recreation Commission, and City Council for coming together in their collective service to the community. Parks &Assist. Public Works Superintendent, Mark Riverblood TABLE OF CONTENTS Background + Purpose (Context/Coverage Area/Components) 3 Pump House Building (Location/Site Plan/Project Description/Design Program) 5 Rest Room + Maintenance Building (Location/Site Plan/Project Description/Design Program) 7 Pump House Plaza (Location/Site Plan/Project Description/Design Program) 9 Sapphire Apartment Frontage (Location/Site Plan/Project Description/Design Program) 18 Center Street (Location/Site Plan/Project Description/Design Program) 22 Central Anoka County Regional Trail (Location/Site Plan/Project Description/Design Program) 24 Stormwater Management System (Location/Site Plan/Project Description/Design Program) 26 Future Development Site Frontage (Location/Site Plan/Project Description/Design Program) 30