Agenda - Council Work Session - 09/13/2021 - Special Joint CC, Planning & EDA

Home

CC Special Work Session Meeting Date: 09/23/2021 Title: Discuss COR and Highway 10 Planning / Vision Purpose/Background: Purpose The purpose of this case is to have the City Council (CC), Planning Commission (PC) and Economic Development Authority (EDA) discuss the COR and Highway 10 Planning / Vision. It has been approximately 3-4 years since the CC, PC and EDA have met jointly to discuss the COR and Hwy 10 Planning / Vision and future development. The makeup of the CC, PC and EDA has changed over the past few years so it seems reasonable to have all bodies present to get to know each other and to discuss items that are relevant to the growth and development of the City. The Planning Commission leadership asked for this meeting to be scheduled to discuss the vision for the COR, Highway 10, and allow each group to get to know each other. Development, infrastructure improvements and branding along Hwy 10 and in the COR are important to the success of Ramsey. The planning/vision for Hwy 10 and the COR have evolved over time to adjust to economic and market factors. As we exit the Covid-19 pandemic, the way people shop and work is much different than in 2019. As market factors change, the City needs to be flexible and prepared to respond to requests for new places to live, work, play, shop and eat. Background on the COR/Retail Many office buildings are struggling to bring their tenants back as more workers chose, and are able to work remotely. The development of power shopping centers is not as prevalent as before and retailers are changing to smaller formats and increasing online sales. Investment in new restaurants has not recovered from the impacts of the pandemic but it is still a priority for the City of Ramsey. Housing in the suburbs is in high demand and pricing and sales have increased. A comparison for Ramsey from July 2013 to July 2021 shows an increase in median home value from $189,000 to $339,000. Days on market have dropped from 92 down to 13 showing how hot this market is in Ramsey. The real estate environment we live in in 2021 is much different than 2005, when Ramsey Town Center (now known as the COR) was created. Staff has attempted to bring new retail/commercial prospects to the COR, while being responsive and attentive to prospects who come to the City. Staff is not turning away retail/commercial prospects, and is working hard to get more businesses interested in coming to the COR. Background on Highway 10 Highway 10 has always been a focal point for the City of Ramsey. For many, what they see on Highway 10 is their first impression of Ramsey. Highway 10 is a major arterial road which provides opportunity for business investment, marketing and future development. The major work relating to the new interchanges from Anoka to Elk River over the next 5 years will change the landscape of this corridor and Ramsey needs to be prepared. There will be challenges during the construction period and it is important to do what we can as a city to help our businesses during this difficult time. Attached is a two -pager from July 2021 showing the preliminary layout and before -and -after renderings of the two proposed interchange areas. Other information on the proposed Ramsey Gateway Highway 10 improvements can be found on the following websites: • Ramsey Gateway US-10 (arcgis.com) • Ramsey Gateway Project I Anoka County, MN - Official Website