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commercial center of Mounds View. The mall is currently anchored by Aldi, Merwin Liquors, and Dollar General. About half of the mall has been vacant for several years, and exceeds the amount of retail space that the community is able to support. The City desires to create a concept plan to redevelop the property for retail and residential that will be viable, and continue to serve as the city center. Application Questions 5. What change are you hoping to achieve in this area? What is the existing land use environment like now, and what do you hope for it to become? Please attach a map and images to give context of area. The City solicited public comments during the Comprehensive Plan update. There were many negative comments about the lack of a city center, including; "Character. We are bland with one stupid wide treeless canal -like highway of cement cutting down the middle with some of the worst -timed stop lights in the Twin Cities. Nowhere to go, nothing to do, no place to meet. We live here, but go elsewhere for any kind of social life." The intent of the concept plan is to provide inspiration, converting "space" into a "place" that serves the community. Mounds View Square was built in 1974 intending to be the center of commerce. As demonstrated by the amount of vacant space, the mall is failing. A concept plan will inspire private development to create a destination place. 6. Ramsey County's Economic Competitiveness and Inclusion Plan calls for intentional investment in racially and ethnically diverse communities. How will the proposed activity advance racial equity? Mounds View's population is 32% non -white. 11 % of residents are foreign born (US Census). The intent of the Concept Plan is to serve the needs of the residents (to be determined). Preparation for the concept plan will include outreach efforts to neighborhood residents, with the intent of discovering what the neighborhood, and larger community want. Outreach methods are to be determined. 7. How will affected communities be involved in the proposed activity? How will a racial equity lens be used in the design and implementation of the proposed activity? To be determined, with assistance from a consultant completing the concept plan. The Concept Plan is intended to include public input, reflective of the community. 8. Describe how this proposed activity fits within your community and organization's goals, priorities and/or long- range plans. Provide links to supporting documentation as applicable (i.e. relevant comprehensive plan sections, letters of support, previous work done in relation to proposed project). Describe how the proposed activity will lead to actions that will further these goals. The Mounds View Comprehensive Plan includes policies, goals, and implementation timelines. The project relates to; Land Use Policies Goals 1, 2, and 3 (p. 7-7, 7-8); and Housing Policies Goals 1, 2, and 3 (p. 7-9); and Parks, Trails and Community Facilities Policy Goal 2 (p. 7-10); and Transportation Policies Goal 3 (p. 7-12, 7-13). It is the intent that a concept plan will reflect the needs and desires of city residents, and serve as a catalyst to initiate serious redevelopment interest. Mounds View Square, because of its location along the Mounds View Boulevard corridor, its retail impact, and potential inclusion of housing, relates to 8 of the 19 Goals within the Comprehensive Plan. No other property in Mounds View has such a large impact. Mounds View Comprehensive Plan: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcgiciefindmkaj/https://cros6.revize.com/revize/moundsview/2040%20Comprehensive% 20Plan%20(without%20appendix). pdf 9. Why is this proposal not feasible without Ramsey County funds? In 2021, City Staff discussed with the property owner the city's desire for redevelopment. Interest in the project has stalled, in part due to other projects led by the owner/developer (Paster Properties). At this time, the City cannot allocate funds for planning of private property. The City is currently focused on planning improvements for parks, recreation, and trails. 10. How does the proposed activity reflect priorities of the Ramsey County Bike and Pedestrian Plan and All Abilities 2050 Transportation Plan? If not applicable to your proposal, please respond "N/A". The property includes an existing trail and/or sidewalks on all three sides of the property, and will remain. There is MTC bus service (route 25) at the northeast corner of the property, with bus stops across the street from the property. 11. How will the proposed activity enhance neighborhood connectivity, especially in relation to public amenities,