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Little Woods Report <br />November 8, 2000 <br />Page 4 <br />Staff included with this report Figure 4, a map illustrating the wide-ranging land <br />values associated with the undeveloped parcels. The assessed values of the three <br />blighted properties are included as well, however their values represent both the land <br />and home assessed values. It should be noted that that values represented on this <br />map are not indicative of what it would take to purchase them outright. For example, <br />the city-controlled lot south of unimproved Laport Drive is shown with an assessed <br />value of $3,500. Staff contacted Ramsey County last year to inquire about a possible <br />purchase of that lot and was told (at that time) the cost to purchase would be <br />approximately $11,000. The privately held lots, which have minimal assessed values, <br />would in all likelihood be appraised significantly higher, especially in light of the recent <br />wetland delineation. <br /> <br />Figure 4. <br /> <br />If development is to occur, and it appears likely now that it could, it would seem <br />prudent that the City should strive for the design that would maximize potential while <br />minimizing the environmental impacts. The wetlands, woods and meadow prairies <br />are a very desirable amenity, all of which could be compromised to some degree with <br />uncontrolled development or development utilizing the existing 1940s-era plat. Using <br />new and innovative site design principles and guidelines, it would seem possible to <br />preserve and enhance the existing environmental features while allowing for low- <br />density, upscale single-family home construction.