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The developer from Centra explained the challenges of these already mitigated wetlands that <br />would need to be mitigated again. He stated that this depends in large part on the economics and <br />goals of the City since mitigating the wetlands would be very expensive. <br /> <br />Acting Mayor Riley asked if there have been studies of the need in Ramsey for apartments. <br /> <br />The developer from Capstone stated that they have not done a study but they have evaluated the <br />vacancy rates which are showing low, meaning the current apartments are full. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht said he would be interested in a short term pause to see what the large <br />format retailer may be. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove noted that she has been to one of the apartments in Lino Lakes and they <br />were very nice. She added that she would be open to an apartment project. She would like to see <br />more information on what the need would be for apartments in the City. <br /> <br />Councilmember Howell agreed to put a pause on things until they get more information from who <br />the large format retailer is before moving forward with any other proposals. <br /> <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan asked what the process would look like if he does <br />receive the name of the large format retailer who is interested. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht requested that he bring the name to the Council and they will discuss and <br />let him know if they are interested. <br /> <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan asked what kind of timeline the Council would like to <br />see so that this process does not drag on. <br /> <br />Acting Mayor Riley stated that since the developers who have already submitted proposals have <br />been waiting for a long time he does not want them to continue to wait. He noted that there are <br />also other areas in the City that could accommodate this larger retailer. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove added that they may find out who the larger retailer is and then they <br />may not be able to move forward if they cannot mitigate the wetland. She agreed with Acting <br />Mayor Riley that she would rather not wait. <br /> <br />Mayor Kuzma agreed and said that they should move forward with the developers who are already <br />interested. <br /> <br />Acting Mayor Riley shared that he likes the idea of working around the wetlands as the City will <br />be bearing this cost. <br /> <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan stated that with all of the proposals the wetlands go <br />away. He explained that the pond can be moved. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove agreed. <br />City Council Work Session / March 28, 2023 <br />Page 3 of 7 <br /> <br />