Minutes - Council Work Session - 10/15/2001

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Councilmember Hendriksen stated that he is not saying that further development is forever limited, but felt they should start somewhere. Start at the comer of Armstrong Boulevard with the mixed-use and then start at Ramsey Boulevard with light industrial and then where they meet in the middle no one will know. City Administrator Norman noted that in a follow-up session with CalThorp they indicated that they area west of Armstrong Boulevard should be included as part of their study and will be included in one of the plans they present to the City. Councihnember Anderson inquired as to how the area becomes walkable if they have Armstrong Boulevard between the two sites. Councihnember Zimmerman stated that he could agree with expanding the mixed-use area west of Armstrong Boulevard and keeping light industrial by Ramsey Boulevard. Mayor Gamec stated that he could see adding some residential in the area by Ramsey Boulevard. Councihnember Hendriksen questioned what was wrong with the area that is already designated residential. He stated that he would vote in favor of extending City services to the west of Armstrong Boulevard to make both entities viable. He stated that he would like to have the opportunity to discuss with one or more planners from CalThorp his vision of that area. He thinks the rail station should be on the west side of Armstrong Boulevard and tied in with the bridge crossing so that it is all brought together in the same location. Mr. Bakken replied that placing the rail station west of Armstrong Boulevard would not be agreed to by other Councilmembers. Councilmember Anderson stated that the property is owned by two big landowners and unless the City is willing to condemn the property those property owners will have a great say as to what will happen on the land. Mr. Bakken noted that the City could zone the land. Councilmember Anderson stated that the development community does not think industrial is the way to develop the site. Mr. Bakken inquired if the Council was willing to come up with some zoning standards. Councilmember Hendriksen stated that the City of Ramsey has designated the area as industrial for 30 years. In those 30 years there were numerous requests to rezone the property residential, which were always refused. A developer wants to develop their land in a way to get the fastest return on their investment. Councilmember Kurak stated that the longer the land sits the more valuable it becomes and unless the owner chooses to sell the property there is no development. She does not believe the mixed-use should be located on either side of Armstrong Boulevard, but should be between City Council/October 15, 2001 Page 5 of 10