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consideration for affordable housing outside of that area. He did not understand a desire to pause <br />development on land that is already zoned for that purpose. <br /> <br />Planning Commissioner Bruce Anderson stated that he also does not understand the desire for a <br />pause as there are two or three additional parcels within The COR designated for multifamily. He <br />commented that once those parcels are filled, it would require a change to the Comprehensive Plan <br />to consider additional multifamily housing. He stated that he would not support changing the <br />Comprehensive Plan at this time but would want to see the designated land allowed to be <br />developed. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove asked the percentage of land that is left within The COR designated as <br />R-3. <br /> <br />Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that previous calculation was based on acreage rather <br />than unit count. He noted that there are a few parcels within The COR that have a flex designation <br />that could be further reviewed in the future. <br /> <br />Councilmember Woestehoff agreed that the Council needs to continue to discuss this topic. He <br />stated that in terms of the housing options for residence he would want to know where Ramsey <br />rates in its offering of affordable housing. <br /> <br />Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that balance needs to be determined by the Council. He <br />noted that in the past the guide was set as ten percent for rental housing. He stated that he is <br />hearing support for a pause on City owned land and development that would require subsidy. <br /> <br />Councilmember Woestehoff stated that he sides with the Planning Commission and does not <br />understand why the City would stop the sale of its City owned land for development if the land is <br />zoned appropriately. He stated that many people are having to downsize and change their housing <br />situation and therefore it would make sense to have a variety of housing options. <br /> <br />Councilmember Howell stated that she has heard comments from residents that the shops in <br />Ramsey do not necessarily cater to needs of people in apartments. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove stated that she believes the City needs to focus and be more receptive <br />to businesses. She stated that there was a business that wanted to come into The COR in the hotel <br />location, but it was determined that was not appropriate. She stated that an auto parts store was <br />also deemed inappropriate for the proposed location. She stated that she would like to see staff <br />and other Commissions work harder to bring in retail. She commented that the City has a good <br />mix of housing options and wants to see more of a drive to attract retail. She believed that once <br />that happens there would be more support to allow additional multifamily housing. She <br />commented that within her HOA there is a cap of 10 percent of rental units in order to maintain <br />property values. She believed that there is a balance of housing options and the effort should be <br />focused on attracting businesses. <br /> <br />Mayor Kuzma commented that O’Reilly Auto Parts is coming in and the hotel project is on pause <br />because of COVID, not any action of the City. <br />City Council Work Session / February 16, 2021 <br />Page 5 of 12 <br /> <br />