Agenda - Council - 11/22/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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EDA BUSINESS Case #1: Town Center update John Feges of Ramsey Town Center, LLC provided the EDA with an update on Ramsey Town Center. He stated what is happening on the Ramsey Town Center site and with the development of opportunities is grander than anticipated. He complimented staff, the Council, and the community on keeping the higher ground and staying with the vision. He stated on the development side there often is the need to make compromises, which has not been done with Ramsey Town Center. There have been ordinances, guidelines and review committees that have kept things in line. Ramsey is setting the benchmark across the country, and this project has received a lot of national attention. Mr. Feges stated since WWII they have tried to accommodate housing in America through sprawl, and the sense of place went away. People are now looking for choices of houses with this type of community along transportation corridors. In the past few years banks were not interested in financing lifestyle communities, because they were too pedestrian friendly. Ramsey Town Center has that pedestrian friendly and aesthetically pleasing aspect, but they are also ensuring that the commerce will come and the retailers will be successful. Mr. Feges provided a review of residential and commercial agreements in place for Town Center, including retail, cinema, fitness center, two hotels, possible restaurants, and a possible nightclub. 0 The EDA discussed the following issues with Mr. Feges in relation to Ramsey Town Center: commercial buildings with residential units above, timeframe on the development, and the impact of Northstar on the development. Member LeTourneau indicated he has been hearing the fear of a strip mall appearance at Town Center. Mr. Feges replied the area will not feel like a strip mall, and commented as one drives through Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove it begins to feel like downtown. He explained there is only so much that can be done to control the tenant space, and purchasing -habits reflect variety. There will be a dollar store, but it will be a small venue. He explained the gatekeepers in keeping the correct balance are the developers, and the policing of that comes from the Design Review Committee, the City ordinances and the guidelines that are in place. Economic Development Consultant Mulrooney advised the realty of retail is that almost everything is corporate owned stores. The key to the long-term success is the architecture put into the development. He noted the speed with which this development happens can add significantly to Ramsey's ability to obtain a Northstar station. Case 92: Amoco Demolition Economic Development/TIF Specialist Sullivan reviewed that at the September 7, 2005 EDA meeting a decision was made to hold a public demolition of the old Amoco station on Highway 47. He explained due to the time of year an evening time for the demolition would not work best, as it would already be dark. Bank of the West suggested October 25t" for the event. The Economic Development Authority/October 12, 2005 Page 2 of 5