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Draft <br />north and future extension of the Mississippi River Bridge Crossing to the west. Ail of these <br />corridors (with the exception of the rail line) need improvements to meet the current traffic <br />demands of the City. Many of the solutions have been identified for each of the corridors, but <br />only a few have been funded. The City believes it is impractical to assess the existing property <br />owners within the study area for the needed traffic improvements. Instead, a more practical <br />approach would be to have new development pay a portion of the costs of the needed and <br />necessary improvements. The City has successfully done this with transportation improvements <br />with the Kamsey Town Center. In that instance, the City, Anoka County and the Developer have <br />split the 'costs of the transportation improvements. The City believes a similar approach should <br />be used to fund other needed improvements. The current land use pattern within the'study area <br />does not make this practical. <br /> <br />The future Mississippi River Bridge Crossing corridor that defines the western edge of the study <br />area also directly impacts the Ramsey Crossings area. The construction of the bridge and <br />connections to it will bring a tremendous amount of traffic to the area. The City will need to <br />address the traffic issues as result of the Mississippi River crossing. With the low intensity of <br />development in the study area, the City would have to resort to the general taxpayers to fund the <br />improvements or delay traffic enhancement and safety measures. Having the Ramsey Crossings <br />area redeveloped in a higher intensity use will allow the City to require dollars fi.om the <br />developer to help fund portions of the improvements. <br /> <br />Services to residents: The City of Ramsey is a predominantly residential community. There are <br />not many employment and shopping oppommities with/n Ramsey. Ramsey Town Center was <br />created to begin addressing these concerns. However, even with the Ramsey Town Center there <br />will be many services that will not be provided to Ramsey residents. The Ramsey Crossings <br />area, with the its proximity to the Ramsey Town Center and adjacency to major transportation <br />corridors, presents a prime oppommity to provide Ramsey citizens with choices in shopping, <br />dining, entertaining, and working. Currently, most residents have to leave the community to <br />experience these choices. <br /> <br />29 <br /> -261- <br /> <br /> <br />