1995 Working Papers - Laserfiche WebLink

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. Page 4 Political fallout The citizens of Ramsey have been alerted to the current transportation plan which depicts a four lane approach corridor through Ramsey. Many people believe that public officials have not been completely candid on this issue. These citizens may perceive selection of the East location (with an approach corridor stopping at 116) to be a politically motivated half step toward achieving the roadway depicted in the current Transportation Plan. This opposition may result in a referendum. 3. DISCREPANCIES IN GROMBERG'S REPORT On December 12, 1994 Jim Gromberg published a memo which claimed to compare cost's for the East and West bridge alternatives. The memo actually compared EDC's plan to a West bridge plan he developed. The plan he developed differs significantly from the Planning Commission recommendation and would be more costly to build. This tactic may have been used to inflate the cost of the West alternative. Mr. Gromberg agreed to provide a cost estimate for the West alignment as proposed by the Planning Commission. Thus far he has not provided this information. Deceptive Information On page 1 of his report, Mr. Gromberg indicates there are no plans to extend 116 beyond Armstrong boulevard. While this is technically correct, he also knows Mr. Schroeder is meeting with Anoka County to determine how 116 should be extended. Although Mr. Schroeder has not met with the Planning Commission he proposed an extension of 116 which differs from the Planning Commission's recommendation. The number of businesses and acquisition cost have been minimized. Mr. Gromberg used tax assessments instead of market value. This favors the East alternative. Dave Bertelson, Area Manager for Skelgas, stated the cost to relocate the Skelgas plant would exceed $300,000 (see attached memo). He based this on the actual cost he incurred to move a smaller plant in Wisconsin. On page 2 Gromberg states the cost is actually $20,000 to $50,000 and implies this is an estimate from Bud Strom. When I contacted Mr. Strom he had not viewed the property, seen any photographs or been provided an inventory of the Skelgas facility. He told me he couldn't provide any more than a rough guess. A safe interchange may require acquisition of both propane dealers. Contrary to Mr. Gromberg's statement, the Planning Commission does not recommend acquiring the business property on the North side of Highway 10 between Armstrong and Ramsey Boulevard.