Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 04/13/2006

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Case #2 SOUTH OF US HIGHWAY #10 DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT By: Scan M. Sullivan, Economic Development Coordinator Background: As some members may recall, in 2002-2003 the EDA had been working with Hoisington Koegler Group on a redevelopment plan for State Highway #I0. The EDA focused on enhancing the image and creating a new identity for the City of Ramsey the north side of Highway # 10 between Armstrong Boulevard and the Anoka/Ramsey corporate limits. During discussions of the redevelopment plan for Highway #10, the EDA saw a need to also look at a redevelopment plan for the area located south of Highway # 10, from the corporate limits of Anoka/Ramsey to Sunfish Lake Boulevard. The EDA directed Staff to work with Hoisington Koegler Group on a redevelopment plan South of US highway 10. Staff received a memorandum from Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. outlining four different concept plans for the area south of Highway #10. The minutes and plans from March 7, 2002 have been attached for review. When this study' was being finished an IRC study was completed by MnDOT and it identified the preferred route of US Highway 10 that shifted it north to the Burlington Northern Railroad right of way. The IRC study determined that a frontage road system was not necessary for the North side of Hwy 10. Observations: In 2002, the EDA directed Staff to make contact with Mr. Lano and Mr. Peterson, regarding potential redevelopment plans. Staff had several conversations with Mr. Lano, the owner of Lano Equipment, regarding the possibility of redeveloping his site. After lengthy discussions with the land owners it was determined that a mutually agreeable compromise could not be reached. Three years have since passed since the City has actively looked at possible development and redevelopment of the area south of US Highway 10. Now that the future alignment of Hwy 10 is fairly certain it seems prudent to "re-open" discussion regarding the South side of Highway 10. The area of focus has been from Sunfish Lake Boulevard to the Anoka corporate limits but it seems reasonable to look at the development from just west of Armstrong Boulevard and south of Highway 10, and southwesterly to Anoka. The Highway 10 corridor is the identity of Ramsey to many people and taking a long hard look at how it is developed and redeveloped is crucial to improving the City of Ramsey's identity. A study similar in nature to the one that Hoisington Koegler Group put together June 10, 2001 would be a useful tool in determining what should transpire South of US Highway 10. Copies of the HKGi study will be provided upon request of EDA members. Recommendation: City Staff would propose that the City begin reviewing the existing development end infrastructure south of Hwy 10 and attempt to put together an in-house plan similar to the Hoisington Koegler Group study that would provide for orderly development and redevelopment of the area. Review Checklist: James E Norman, City Administrator Patrick Trudgeon, Community Development Director EDA: 4.13.06 12