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Councilmember Specht commented that he believes this would add a lot to the community. He <br /> recognized the statement that staff could go between buildings and asked if students would go <br /> between schools too. <br /> Mr. Nyquist replied that there would be older students going between the buildings to help with <br /> younger students. <br /> Councilmember Howell stated that she is very supportive of the plan. She stated that kids could <br /> get jobs within The COR that they could walk to or could walk to the apartments if they live there. <br /> She also liked the idea of football games bringing in additional patrons to other businesses. <br /> Councilmember Heineman stated that he used to live in Blaine and that sports center has a huge <br /> draw for local businesses. He stated that PACT sports do bring in additional customers for <br /> businesses. <br /> EDA Member MacLennan stated that his children attend Spectrum and one of the main reasons <br /> was because they have an expanded campus. He stated that expansion within the same area is very <br /> convenient for parent drop off. He stated that having a larger charter school would be a great draw <br /> for Ramsey. He acknowledged that it would change the vision for that area, but did not believe it <br /> would take away from the area. <br /> Councilmember Woestehoff asked the number of acres that would be necessary. <br /> Mr. Vang replied that they would need 15 to 18 acres. <br /> Councilmember Woestehoff stated that across from his home is a large site owned by Connexus <br /> that he did not believe is used. <br /> Economic Development Manager Sullivan stated that Anderson Dahlen is purchasing 13 of those <br /> 15 acres for its expansion and therefore that site will be off the market. <br /> EDA Chair Cords asked if there is sufficient road and traffic control capacity to handle a high <br /> school and sporting event traffic. <br /> Mr. Nyquist stated that for sporting events they would be able to utilize the parking for the <br /> elementary and secondary schools. He believed that would provide sufficient parking for special <br /> events and sporting events. He noted that the proximity to Highway 10 would also be convenient <br /> for moving traffic in and out of the site. <br /> Councilmember Riley stated that he is supportive of the idea but would prefer a different location. <br /> He noted that this parcel is within a TIF district and would not generate any TIF. He stated that <br /> this parcel would also contribute to the regional stormwater basin that was designed for high <br /> density use while this would be a low-density use. <br /> Mr. Nyquist stated that 80 percent of the students are from Anoka County while about 50-60 <br /> percent are from Ramsey. <br /> City Council Special Work Session/ September 23, 2021 <br /> Page 7 of 11 <br />