03/08/06 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Member Gromberg stressed the emphasis to be placed on the goal of communicating with the Post Office regarding a Ramsey zip code. Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan suggested the goal be changed to state Obtain a Post Office in the City of Ramsey. He noted staff has gone as far as getting Congressman Kennedy's office involved in the issue. The Board discussed the process of obtaining a Post Office in the City, with the following suggestions noted: · Letters from the City Council, EDA, and local businesses · Involvement of Senators and Governor · Letter from legislative representatives Economic Development Consultant Mulrooney advised he went through the process of obtaining a Post Office for a city in the 1970's, and it took three years to complete. He believes Ramsey is headed in the right path by involving their representatives in Congress. They should also be involving the business community and should continue to discuss the issue with the Post Office. This is really a numbers issue, and once the facility being utilized runs out of room the Post Office will move to obtain a new facility. The consensus of the EDA was for the members of the Board to prioritize and forward the 2006 Goals to Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan, and to direct staff to provide input as to any further efforts to be made to obtain a Post Office in the City of Ramsey. Case #3: Potential Property Acquisition for Redevelopment Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan reviewed that the EDA has been actively involved in acquiring properties in need of redevelopment. Staff has identified properties located in the Critical Blight Redevelopment Area (CBRA) as well as other locations in need of acquisition to facilitate quality development. The Community Revitalization Program has been well received from the business community and continued acquisitions are necessary to keep the redevelopment project moving forward. Staff is looking for a motion from the Board to recommend to the City Council that the identified properties be acquired for redevelopment, to begin negotiations immediately, and to utilize eminent domain powers if necessary. Mr. Sullivan reviewed a map depicting the potential property acquisitions for redevelopment. Member Elvig inquired if the EDA has drafted a mission statement regarding this redevelopment corridor. Member Kiefer replied this is included in the 2006 EDA Goals and Objectives as Continue Acquisition of Blighted Properties. Member Elvig suggested the need for a mission statement regarding the purchase of properties in this corridor with a more comprehensive look. Member Gromberg stated the mission statement has been simple, which is that the EDA is to create tax base for the City. The EDA should not become involved in how they believe an area should look; their goal is to maximize the tax generation from those properties. There are approximately five properties remaining in this redevelopment area, and the EDA should continue on and develop the tax base. Economic Development Authority / February 8, 2006 Page 5 of 8