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Premium Stop Report March 12, 2007 Page 2 Neighborhood Meeting All property owners within the redevelopment area and those who own property adjacent to and south of the area were notified of the meeting and invited to attend. In all, about 75 notices were sent out. Fifteen property owners attended the meeting. Mr. Slack reviewed the goals of the redevelopment and presented the various development scenarios. The residents in attendance seemed impressed by the proactive nature of the planning process and appreciated the opportunity to provide feedback at this early stage of the redevelopment vision. Most residents expressed support for the plans, those who live next to or rear Robert’s liked the idea of residential as opposed to the present use, and the property owners on O’Connell abutting the Everest parcel (the largest of the single family parcels on County Road 10) unanimously preferred the residential development over the corporate office complex. Next Steps Staff has been contacted by a variety of developers and property owners interested in this area, some of whom include existing business owners such as Scott Soo Suh (owner of Taiko Sushi restaurant), Tony Moussa (owner of the Best Steak House) and Chuck Durand (owner of the Holiday Stationstore.) Staff has communicated to these individuals as well as other developers interested in the project area that direction would need to be given by the Economic Development Authority to proceed with the marketing of the City’s parcel consistent with the redevelopment vision. Offers would likely be accepted through a specific point in time, such as May 1, 2007, by which time the EDA could consider entering into a purchase and redevelopment agreement with a developer based upon their submitted plan and ability to carry out the City’s redevelopment vision. Staff has communicated to all interested parties (including those property owners within the development area) that the City would not be involved in any further parcel assemblage and that the use of eminent domain would NOT be considered. Any planned redevelopment beyond the property lines of the former Premium Stop parcel would need to include the willing participation of any affected property owners. The City would not and will not entertain development proposals for which purchase agreements or consent of the owners have not been obtained. Overlay Consideration One of the themes and design characteristics of the Premium Stop redevelopment area planning process was the desire to locate the buildings closer to County Road 10 than what the present zoning code permits. With such an expansive corridor width, maintaining the 30- foot setback requirements serves to increase the perceived width of the corridor and reinforce an auto-dependant development. Bringing the buildings closer to the corridor lends a more “human” scale to the development and with appropriate trailways linkages from the County Road 10 trailway through to the adjacent neighborhoods, developments become more pedestrian friendly. This design theme is consistent with the fundamental principles of the Active Living Ramsey County group which encourages cities to encourage “walkable communities”. The other benefit of pulling buildings closer to the corridor is that it frees up additional space to the rear of these parcels for more landscaping and trailway connections, which provides enhanced buffering and setback from the adjacent residential neighborhoods.