02-04-2019 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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WS — Item 2 WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT Work Session Item No. 2 Date: February 4, 2019 To: City Council From: Michael Grochala, Community Development Director Re: 49 & J Redevelopment - Lyngblomsten Background Staff has been working with Lyngblomsten, a senior care provider, regarding construction of a senior community in the northwest quadrant of the Hodgson Road (CSAH 49) and County Road J (Ash Street) intersection. The concept plan for the development was previously reviewed by City Advisory Boards and the City Council in 2018. Lyngblomsten has submitted a formal application for preliminary plat and Planned Unit Development (PUD) development stage plan approvals. A public hearing scheduled for the February 13, 2019 Planning and Zoning Board meeting. The intersection of 49 & J is a major gateway into the city and has been a high priority redevelopment objective over the past 20 years. The site has been the focus of several proposed commercial/residential development proposals. However it has proven to be a challenge for development/redevelopment due to a number of factors including: • lack of public utilities • inadequate transportation infrastructure • multiple property owners/businesses • meeting neighborhood/community expectations • development timing Over the past six months Lyngblomsten has been working to overcome these challenges, as well as address comments received from residents, advisory boards, and the City Council. Lyngblomsten has incorporated the 4 corner properties into the site plan, obtaining purchase options on each. They have also been working with Anoka and Ramsey County Highway Departments to address some of the existing traffic concerns. While still under review, the overall plan has addressed a number of long standing city goals for the area. As part of the development process Lyngblomsten has inquired about opportunities for financial assistance, citing both extraordinary public improvement and land assembly costs. While no formal application has been received at this time, staff believes there is merit in having a preliminary discussion regarding any proposed assistance.