Minutes - Planning Commission - 01/24/2002 - Jt PC CC (2)

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Mr. Feges agreed with Councilmember Hendriksen regarding the approach to the town center site. In their analysis and doing overlays on the site it becomes less of an option to put in housing, but more of an option of an enterprise and business district. What they would see is more like 800 to 1,000 housing units. A collaboration of everyone working together makes it better defined. Councilmember Hendriksen questioned in the model Mr. Feeges was referring to how many of the units would be free standing and how many would be second or third floor units above retail. Mr. Feges replied that about 60 percent would be free standing units and the other 30 to 40 percent would be blending retail/commercial with housing. He explained that there is some resistance with combination type of housing because it has yet to be proven successful in this area. David Elvig, Tungsten Street NW, Ramsey, stated that his main concern is with writing a good document and plan to move forward with the town center. The land is vacant and nothing is happening with it. It is not generating any income to the City as it currently exists. If they focus solely on industrial it could present a problem. They learned in Chicago that they took a four square mile area and turned a net revenue of 25 million dollars. The Met Council did not force the pipe to be extended to Ramsey, but the City made the request and at that time they had suggested that 49,000 units be connected. When the pipe was put it in the Met Council agreed to a system of 19,000 units and the City is obligated to that amount. He felt that there is a way to design townhomes so that they can get empty nesters and young professionals into the City. Margaret Connolly, 16235 Kamocite Street NW, Ramsey, stated that she has lived in Ramsey for many years and she has seen Ramsey do things that expedite a short term accomplishment. Currently the city is part of a study on where to locate the river bridge crossing in which the City has been asked to place land in a moratorium to accommodate that bridge. The City is also involved in a plan regarding the relocation of Highway 910. She expressed concern that they were moving to soon on many of the issues until the questions pertaining to the highway are answered. She questioned if they state in the Comprehensive Plan how much of the land in a mixed use development can be used for residential and how much can be used for commercial would that hold up in court. Chairperson Nixt replied that the concept would be that there would be a zoning overlay district, but would have to get a legal opinion regarding Ms. Connolly's question. Ms. Connolly requested that a legal opinion be given at the next meeting. Mr. Menth inquired as to what was changing with the Central Rural Preserve language. Chairperson Nixt explained that language was being added to referencing the fact that they are a Charter City. Councilmember Hendriksen stated that he had requested that language be included that the City would not require people to hook-up to City services if it were extended in front of their home Planning Commission Joint Meeting/January 24, 2002 Page 12 of 14