Ramsey Resident - 2007 - January/February

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Development Habitat for Humanity Announces Plans to Build in Ramsey ~ The need for quality and affordable worl(force housing in the Twin Cities is significant. In 2005 the average home price in the metro area was $239,000. The household income needed to afford that house is $75,794 - much higher than the average income of many worl(ing families. Janitors, school bus drivers, banl( tellers, nurses aides, child care workers, factory worl(ers and security guards earn one-fifth to less than one-half of the in- Habitat's Franklin Station Townhomes in Minneapolis come required to afford that home. Home ownership provides opportunities that can positively impact families for generations, which in turn impacts the long-term well being of the community. The mission of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity (TCHFH) is to eliminate poverty housing from the Twin Cities and to make quality and affordable shelter for all people. TCHFH utilizes volunteer labor, donated materials and con- tributed funds to build and renovate homes in the Twin Cities area. Families who purchase the homes are selected based on need, ability to repay the zero percent mortgage, and willingness to partner. Families put in 300-500 hours of "sweat equity" helping to build homes. Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is very excited to build affordable worl(force housing in the city of Ramsey for the first time. Twenty-four attractive townhomes will be built in Ramsey Town Center Gardens in three phases over the next three years. We want the community of Ramsey to be engaged with us as we build these homes, and invite the sup- port and input of area residents. Involvement from local residents, area businesses, civic groups and faith-based congrega- tions playa crucial role in Habitat's ability to succeed. Please join us for an open house and introduction to Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity on Thursday, January 25, from 7:00 - 9:00 pm in the Alexander Ramsey Room at the Ramsey Municipal Center, 7550 Sunwood Drive NW. The evening will begin with a presentation followed by a discussion of ways in which you can get involved in this exciting project. If you have any questions about the open house, please contact Sylvia Frolil( at the Municipal Center at 763-433- 9846. City Council to Reconsider Cluster Ordinance In 2004, the City Council adopted new lot development standards that required lot clustering in the R -1 Rural Developing District. This district can be viewed on the official zoning map (www.ci.ramsey.mn.us/Documents/Com- mdev/Planning/zoningmap.pdf) or see the link below for additional information. Several development applications were submitted to the city under the cluster development standards. Because of concerns raised during review of those devel- opment proposals, the City Council passed a development moratorium in Spring 2006, which prohibits any subdivision within this zoning district. Since that time, the City Council has been worl(ing with Staff to come up with an alternative to the cluster standards. The Council has directed Staff to bring forward a Comprehensive Plan Amendment and a Zoning Amendment that would change the density in the Rural Developing District from 1 house per 2.5 acres to 1 house per 10 acres, which is anticipated to be in effect until the 2008 Comprehensive Plan Update is completed. Both amendments are expected to be brought before the Planning Commission and City Council in January and February. While the official public hearing notice was advertised as usual in the Anoka County Union, a postcard was also sent to all property owners in the Rural Developing District. If you have any questions about the moratorium, or the Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Zoning Amendment process, please contact Amy Geisler at 763-433-9903. You can also access a Fact Sheet about the amendments on the city's website, at: www.ci.ramsey.mn.us. www.ci.ramsey.mn.us 5