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2. ROLL CALL Commissioners: Chair Greg Belting, Vice -Chair Jennifer Wagner-Harkonen,
Jim Freichels, Jason Helgemoe, Dan Larson, Jim Paron and Gary Stevenson
City Staff: City Administrator Jim Ericson
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A. Review Applications to EDC and Make Recommendation for Appointment to
EDA
B. Review Unobligated TIF Balance sheet, presentation by Finance Director Mark
Beer
C. Review Vacant Economic Development Specialist Position
Z-OTM91 PTA U FIT
A. Crossroad Point Redevelopment Project
B. TCAAP Development Update
C. Mounds View Project Updates
D. MnDOT Project Updates
7. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS
8. NEXT REGULAR EDC MEETING - January 17, 2014
Minutes of the Economic Development Commission
City of Mounds View
Ramsey County, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
September 27, 2013
City of Mounds View, Council Chambers
2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Greg Belting called the meeting to order at approximately 7:35am.
2. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Chair Greg Belting and Commissioners Jim Freichels, Dan Larson,
Jim Paron and Gary Stevenson
Members Absent: Commissioner Jason Helgemoe and Vice -Chair Jennifer Wagner-
Harkonen
Staff Present: City Administrator Jim Ericson and Economic Development
Specialist Heidi Steinmetz
3. APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 27, 2013, AGENDA
Motion/Second: Commissioner.Freichels moved and Commissioner Stevenson seconded
the,approval of the September 27. 2013, EDC agenda.
Motion Carried: 5 Ayes, 0 Nays
4. APPROVAL OF AUGUST 16, 2013, EDC MINUTES
Motion/Second: Commissioner Stevenson moved and Commissioner Larson seconded the
approval of the August 1`6, 2013, EDC minutes.
Motion Carried: 4;Ayes, 1 Abstention
5. EDC BUSINESS
A. Discuss Land Development Planning Proposals for Southwest Corner of County Road 10 &
County Road H2
Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz reminded the EDC that at their last meeting,
they recommended that the EDA solicit land development planning proposals for this site
because the last study occurred in 2006. She said staff submitted an RFQ to land
development consultants and received four proposals in return. Staff provided the EDC with
the "project understanding" portion of each proposal.
Draft EDC Minutes
September 27, 2013
Page 2 of 3
Chair Belting commented that the information is interesting but evaluating the information is
not his area of expertise.
Commissioner Freichels mentioned that one proposal stood out from the others because the
consultant had suggested gathering public input prior to developing a plan, which would
seem to take considerably more time than developing a plan prior to soliciting public input.
Commissioner Freichels also stated the importance of choosing a consultant that is familiar
with the changing dynamics of the area. Commissioner Stevenson agreed.
Chair Belting mentioned his appreciation towards the EDA for accepting the EDC's
recommendation to gather proposals.
The consensus of the EDC was that they trusted City staff to recommend the appropriate
firm to the EDA.
B. Continue Food Truck Discussion
Ms. Steinmetz reminded the EDC that Assistant City Administrator Desaree Crane attended
their last meeting to provide details on the city's process for allowing food trucks to operate
in Mounds View.
Chair Belting stated that he's in favor of the EDA addressing some of the questions that
Mounds View business owners have asked City staff regarding food trucks, such as whether
food truck operators have an unfair advantage over existing restaurant owners who pay
property taxes within the city. He also suggested that the EDA discuss this topic more
broadly because mobile trucks offering any type of service may eventually become popular
in the city.
Commissioner Freichels said that fixed -structure businesses have invested in the city
through property taxes, yet mobile businesses have not. He stated the importance of
protecting those investments in order to retain existing businesses and recruit new ones.
6. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Larson mentioned that he has noticed movement on the more deteriorated
houses within the city; one is being rehabbed and another is being demolished.
7. REPORTS OF STAFF
City staff provided updates on the following items:
A. TCAAP Development Update
B. Mounds View Business News
C. Available Business Sites in Mounds View
D. MnDOT Project Updates
E. General Development Updates
F. Fall Clean Up Day — Saturday, September 28, 2013
Draft EDC Minutes
September 27, 2013
Page 3 of 3
E Ilw4A[7xci1IIcl =1Blom trt14 fiidCel
The next regular EDC meeting was scheduled for Friday, October 18, 2013, at 7:30am.
R7 -A N[0111111J,I4 11r
There being no further business, the September 27, 2013, meeting adjourned at 8:38am.
Respectfully submitted,
Heidi Steinmetz, Economic Development Specialist
Item #: 5A
Meeting Date: Dec 20, 2013
Type of Business: EDC
To: Economic Development Commission
From: Jim Ericson, City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Review Applications to the Economic Development
Commission, Make Appointment Recommendations to the
EDA
The Economic Development Commission is comprised of seven members—three business
representatives and four resident representatives. The terms are for three years and are
staggered to ensure continuity of service. At the end of this year, the terms for
Commissioners Dan Larson and Jennifer Wagner-Harkonen, both resident representatives,
will expire. Commissioner Wagner-Harkonen has decided not to reapply.
After posting notice online, on the Cable TV channel and in the City newspaper, two
applications were received from residents Dan Larson and Jessica Birken. Dan is currently
a member of the Commission and has been a resident for 25 years. Ms. Birken has
resided in Mounds View for nine years and would like to "give back to my community
through public service." Ms. Birken has been invited to attend the EDC's meeting so that
she may introduce herself and answer any questions the Commission may have.
Recommendation:
Review the two applications for seats on the Economic Development Commission and
make a recommendation to the EDA to fill the two vacant seats on the EDC.
��.` Gwtifr -tom
James Ericson
City Administrator
Attachments:
1. Applications from Dan Larson and Jessica Birken
City of Mounds View
2401 County Highway 10
Mounds View, MN 55112
763-717-4000
Group(s) applied for: T DG
Full Name (Please Print):
AAIG*Phone:
Address: : a..
Work/Cell Phone:
Years at this address: /9 Years you have lived in Mounds View:
E-mail Address: Aa, A Inr__ Zarc9n E co"e-12t1.1?a?I--
Experience and Qualifications
Skills and Interests:
Employment, Occupation or Other Relevant Experience:
Memberships, Accomplishments or Other Qualifications:
Please state your reason for wanting to serve with this group:
Tti;S Wo0/V & <ay A)', -a/ fielm, - woo IV like 3o see sonic o -F j-6,
red, LA,/op me,l¢ proJe�sLs
Signature: l� Date:
(Your response to any of the above inquiries may be continued on the back of this form and you
may attach other information that you would like the City Council to consider.)
The City of Mounds View is committed to the policy that all persons shall have access to its programs,
facilities and employment without regard for race, ethnicity, sex, age or physical abilities.
v
City of Mounds View
2401 County Highway 10
Mounds View, MN 55112
763-717-4000
Group(s) applied for: Mounds View Planning Commission, Economic Development Commission
Full Name (Please Print): Jessica Birken
Work Phone: 612-284-6441 (office) Work/Cell Phone: 651-274-3255 (cell)
Address: 8391 Pleasant View Drive
Years at this address: 9
Years you have lived in Mounds View: 9
E-mail Address: Jess@urban-law-group.com
Experience and Qualifications
Skills and Interests:
I'm a licensed attorney with real estate experience including issues regarding appraisals, boundaries, easements or
other restrictions on use, etc. I'm interested in urban land use planning and contributing to my community.
Employment, Occupation or Other Relevant Experience:
(Please see my attached resume)
My experience includes drafting legal opinions for many civil land use cases in Pine County as a Judicial Law Clerk,
as well as the oversight and management of many conservation real estate transactions with Pheasants Forever.
Memberships, Accomplishments or Other Qualifications:
- Qualified mediator
- Member of MN State Bar Assoc.
- Licensed notary public
Please state your reason for wanting to serve with this group:
I'd like to give back to my community through public service. My background knowledge and personal strengths will
be assets to the Commission. I'm grateful for the opportunity to gain experience in public administration and civic
engagement.
Signature: Date: 11-21-2013
(Your response to any of the above inquiries may be continued on the back of this form and you
may attach other information that you would like the City Council to consider.)
The City of Mounds View is committed to the policy that all persons shall have access to its programs,
facilities and employment without regard for race, ethnicity, sex, age or physical abilities.
JESSICA BIRKEN
8391 Pleasant View Drive, Mounds View, MN 55112 ® 651-274-3255 ® iesskurban-law-group.com
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
• Expert writing skills
• Project management & administration
• Negotiation / mediation
• Team building / adaptive leadership
• Critical thinking / decision making
EDUCATION
• Teaching / training / presenting
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Organization or process efficiency
• Change management / org. development
• 40+ hours of cultural competency training
M.A. Nonprofit Management — Hamlin University School of Business, Saint Paul, MN, 2011
J.D. Law — Magna Cum Laude, Hamlin University School of Law, Saint Paul, MN, 2007
B.A. Sociology—University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN, 2001
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
URBAN LAW GROUP, PLLC, Saint Louis Park, MN 2013 — present
Partner / Nonprofit Attorney & Advisor
Support the health and vitality of the nonprofit sector by educating and empowering clients to
deliver their mission with confidence and competence. Specializing in:
• Grant Compliance & Grant Management • Nonprofit Consulting & Best Practices
• Property Tax Exemption • Real Estate Matters
• Conservation & Environmental • Org. Development & Change Management
PHEASANTS FOREVER, INC, Saint Paul, MN 2010-2013
Grants & Contracts Specialist
• Manage a large portfolio of diverse and complex grant funded projects ($1 Sm annual activity).
• Ensure compliance with programmatic standards; GAAP; A-133; A-110; etc.
• Handle complex Real Estate matters (purchase, sale, O&M, risk management).
• Review, draft, negotiate and resolve contractual matters.
• Develop policies and systems to reflect industry best practices.
• Maintain positive relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
BIRKEN LAW OFFICE, PLLC, Blaine, MN 2009-2013
Attorney / Owner
• Provided professional and legal writing services for other attorneys.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, JUDICIAL BRANCH, 10°i DISTRICT, Pine City, MN 2007-2008
Judicial Law Clerk, Honorable Krista K. Martin
• Performed extensive legal research & writing and drafted judicial opinions for all case types.
• Interacted extensively with various stakeholder groups.
• Exhibited integrity, tactfulness, neutrality, confidentiality and strictly observed ethical rules.
10 Is)
- Licensed Attorney - Licensed Notary Public
I
Item #: 5B
Meeting Date: Dec 20, 2013
Type of Business: EDC
To: Economic Development Commission
From: Jim Ericson, City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Review Unobligated TIF Balance Sheet
The City presently has four TIF Districts—three which were approved in the 1980s and one
which was approved more recently for the Medtronic development. The older three TIF
districts operate under different statutory requirements which allowed for the pooling of
increment which could be spent outside of the districts. These three districts are
scheduled for decertification beginning with TIF District #1 at the end of this year. TIF Dist
#1 is the largest of the three older districts—it includes the business parks along County
Road 10 by McDonalds and the Mermaid. TIF District #3 is the Sysco development, and
that decertifies at the end of 2014. TIF District #2 includes scattered parcels along County
Road 10, and it decertifies at the end of 2015. Refer to the attached map.
Discussion:
TIF dollars fund the City's economic development programs and the staff that oversees the
programs. The recent land acquisitions (Roberts and Taiko, and the Premium Stop gas
station years ago) were funded using the unobligated increment. The City's Street and
Utilities Reconstruction Program also uses TIF dollars as part of the approved funding
package. With the decertification of District #1 and subsequent decertifications of Districts
#3 and #2, we thought it would be helpful to review the existing unobligated TIF balance for
the Commission and identify the expenditures already planned for the remaining funds.
(Any dollars that are left unspent at district close will be used to help offset costs
associated with the Street Program.)
Finance Director Beer put together a spreadsheet which details the TIF balances for your
review. The spreadsheet reflects year-end balances excluding TIF District #1, which will
exhibit a zero balance. The City's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) includes a few projects
which will derive funding from the remaining TIF collections, which will amount to
$2,165,530. This amount excludes the increment generated from the Medtronic
development, which can only be spent on administrative expenses. The projects presently
identified for funding through TIF include reconstruction of Mustang Drive ($500,000),
County Road 10 Gateway/entryway features ($300,000), intersection improvements at
County 10 and County H ($30,000), gateway and median enhancements in 2015
($425,000) and completion of the County 10 trailways in 2015 ($300,000). The total
estimated cost of these projects comes to $2,055,000.
TIF Report
December 20, 2013
Page 2
Recommendation:
Review the information provided and consider a recommendation to the Economic
Development Authority (the City Council) if any changes may be worth considering. The
project costs shown are only estimates however; the actual costs could vary substantially.
�J, CL/VX—,CA 24 - �c v
James Ericson
City Administrator
F-ARFT.LT i M, 0
1. TIF Map
2. TIF Balance Sheet
Luinds View TIF C
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Item #: 5C
Meeting Date: Dec 20. 2013
Type of Business: EDC
To: Economic Development Commission
From: Jim Ericson, City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Review Vacant Economic Development Position
Background:
As the Commission is aware, Heidi Steinmetz took a new position in another community;
her last day of work here in Mounds View was October 31, 2013. The vacancy was
discussed with the City Council, and it was decided to leave the position vacant through the
remainder of the year, with some duties and responsibilities assigned to other staff
members and some tasks absorbed by the City Administrator.
Discussion:
Because of the decertification of TIF District #1 and the impending decertifications of
Districts #3 and #2, the 2014 Budget reclassified the position to be part time, in the
neighborhood of 20 hours per week. The reduction in hours was partly in response to the
diminishing TIF funds as well as the ongoing stagnation of economic development activities
in the community. The one exception to this trend was the City's acquisition of Robert's
and Taiko, which created a 4.25 -acre redevelopment area at the southwest corner of
County Road 10 and County Road H2. This redevelopment project alone however was not
considered enough to justify moving forward into 2014 with a full-time position.
With the new year right around the corner, I thought it would be a good time to begin
discussing what your expectations might be as the body that provides guidance and
recommendations to the Economic Development Authority. Attached for your reference is
the job description, which could be tweaked to better reflect the proposed duties.
Recommendation:
Discuss the vacant position and the
decision is not required or expected
expectations and desired outcomes.
James Ericson
City Administrator
duties as assigned in the position description. A
at this meeting; the intent is simply to discuss
Attachments: Economic Development Specialist Job Description
POSITION TITLE:
DEPARTMENT:
ACCOUNTABLE:
FLSA STATUS:
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Economic Development Specialist
Community Development
Community Development Director
Exempt
Primary Objective of Position
Assists the Community Development Director with economic development and
redevelopment activities and the coordination of those activities with quasi -public
groups in the community.
Performs a variety of routine and complex administrative, technical and professional
work in the preparation and implementation of economic development and
redevelopment plans, programs and services.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the general supervision of the Community Development Director.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
None.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Coordinate the development and administration of an Economic Development
Authority and Economic Development Commission.
• Provide technical and professional advice and support by acting as staff liaison
to community development and non-profit organizations including the Economic
Develoment Authority, Economic Development Commission, local development
corporations, Also, develop strategies for working with appropriate commissions
and task forces as needed.
• Develop and maintain Business Retention Program via regular contact with
business owners, property owners, and economic development related
community organizations.
• Negotiate and implement development agreements for redevelopment projects
including coordination of property acquisition, relocation efforts, site clearances
and related actions.
• Coordinate economic development marketing and promotional activities aimed at
attracting new development and investments to Mounds View.
• Assist in the administration of the City's Tax Increment Finance (TIF) program
and districts. Review and score TIF applications submitted by businesses or
developers.
• Assist in the administration of the City's Tax Rebate Finance (TRF) program.
Review and score TRF applications submitted by businesses or developers.
• Develop short and long range economic development and redevelopment plans;
gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations;
coordinates activities with other departments, agencies, local groups and others
as needed.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive database of the inventory of available
buildings and sites in the community for economic development purposes.
• Prepare and maintain information on utilities, taxes, zoning, transportation,
community services, financing tools, etc.; responds to requests for information
for economic re/development purposes; prepares data sheets and other
information. Responds to local citizens inquiring about local economic
development activities and opportunities.
• Monitor local, state and Federal legislation and regulations relating to economic
development, and reports findings, trends and recommendations to City
Administrator.
• Assist in the application and submission of grants and other outside funding
opportunities to further the economic development goals of the City.
PERIPHERAL DUTIES
Attends professional development workshops and conferences to keep abreast of
trends and developments in the field of economic development and tax increment
financing.
Other duties as assigned by Community Development Director.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
(A) Must have a B.A. degree in urban planning, business or public administration,
economics, marketing, finance, or a related field and a minimum of one full year
of experience in economic/community development and/or redevelopment, TIF,
economic development authority activities, and/or, business retention programs.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
(A) Masters Degree in urban planning, business or public administration, economics,
marketing, finance, or a related field.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
(A) Considerable knowledge of tax increment financing law and TIF district
administration
(B) Knowledge of business retention programs and economic development
and redevelopment principles.
(C) Working knowledge of municipal zoning and infrastructure and planning
programs and processes.
(D) Skill in the operation of the listed tools and equipment.
(E) Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with architects,
contractors, developers, owners, supervisors, employees, and the general
public; Ability to establish effective working relationships.
(F) Perform work in a timely and thorough manner.
(G) Demonstrate initiative and excellent problem solving skills.
(H) Demonstrate an ability to effectively handle a wide variety of city projects
and problems in an effective and professional manner.
(1) Maintain a positive image of the city through effective handling of
problems and sound coordination of multi -department programs.
(J) Anticipate communication needs of public, Council and staff and
effectively acts to meet those needs.
(K) Develop a work schedule for carrying out assigned tasks and meet the
schedule in a timely manner.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Valid State Driver's License, or ability to obtain one.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Personal computer, including Microsoft Office software, motor vehicle; calculator;
phone; copy and fax machine.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by
an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.
Work is performed mostly in office settings. Some outdoor work is required in the
inspection of various land use developments and construction sites. Hand -eye
coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand
or sit; walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and
reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance;
stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; speak or hear.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color
vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an
employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside
weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid
conditions, or airborne particles.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and moderate in
the field.
SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference
check; job related written tests may be required.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work
that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude
them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the
position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the
employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the
employer and requirements of the job change.
Approval: Approval:
Supervisor
Effective Date: February 24, 1995
Appointing Authority
Revision History: 03/07/2012 (revised as nonunion
position— effective Dec 31, 2011)
051407 per 2006-2007
(per AFSCME Union Contract)
042006
September 2001 (375 Hay pts)
January 9, 1998
January 14,1994
Item #: 6
Meeting Date: Dec 20, 2013
Type of Business: EDC
To: Economic Development Commission
From: Jim Ericson, City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Reports of Staff
A. Crossroad Pointe Redevelopment Project
On August 16, 2013, the EDC
recommended that the EDA
solicit land development • `
planning proposals for the
EDA's redevelopment site
located at the Southwest cornerry
of County Road 10 and County
Road H2. On August 26, 2013
the EDA accepted the EDC's
recommendation and directed'
staff to distribute a Request for
Qualifications (RFQ) for proposals. City staff distributed the RFQ to eight firms on
September 4t". Four firms-- Bolton and Menk, HKgi, Stantec and WSB—submitted
proposals. The proposals ranged in price from $12,900 to $19,500. At their meeting on
October 28, 2013, the EDA selected the proposal submitted by Stantec.
Staff has met with the Stantec team and they are already working to pull together the
necessary data and background information. Stantec plans to present its preliminary
findings to the City Council at its work session on January 6, 2014, at which time Stantec
hopes to identify some expectations and visions held by the Council. If the members of the
EDC are available to attend this meeting, your input would be desired as well.
B. TCAAP Development Update
Work progresses on the demolition and remediation activities on the TCAAP site. Only
one building remains and the work on that building is slow due to the abundance of
asbestos. Bolander and Sons will work throughout the winter removing foundations and
other subgrade improvements, although some work will have to wait until the spring.
(Refer to a TCAAP update distributed by Ramsey County.)
Monthly Report
Regulatory Approvals
County TCAAP Redevelopment Project
www.tcaap.net
November 2013
The construction team will be submitting a series of Response Action Plans (RAPs) for specific
building sites. These are required by the MPCA and, once approved, will allow a framework for
further remediation at each site.
Demolition and Remediation Update
Asbestos removal work continues on Building 502. Demolition is slated for early 2014, but
portions of the building may be taken down sooner. So, expect to see changes from Highway
96. This is the last building to be demolished. It represented the final production facility in a
complex that employed tens of thousands over several decades. It is interesting to know that
other production buildings will soon populate the site.
Winter Schedule
Bolander plans to work throughout the winter, particularly in the remediation of Building 502,
and to remove large portions of foundations left on the site. Subgrade work will continue as
long as crews can dig. Some 300,000 tons of concrete remain in building foundations where
those buildings were removed by the Army prior to sale. The rail lines and ties have been
removed; the rail bed has frozen and will be taken up after the spring thaw.
Unforeseen Condition
The only real "surprise" found during construction activity thus far occurred at the ballistics
testing range, Building 508, which is next to its practical twin facility, Building 108. Sometime in
the 1970s, Building 508 was to have been removed from the property. This summer it was
assumed to be removed as there was no evidence of the building slab at grade. There was just
a meadow with some small trees. While removing utilities in the area, the contractor
unearthed a slab with foundations and a partial basement under several inches of top soil. It
seems that the basement area was filled with debris from the general demolition process.
Unfortunately, this material contained asbestoses insulation mixed with soil and rubble. With
no way to separate the asbestos, the mixed material had to be carted away and disposed of
properly at an increased cost. The Army was notified as required and has authorized this as a
"new release". That will allow the contractor to be reimbursed from the purchase price held in
reserve for just such cases. The slab and foundation work that was not contaminated will be
removed by the contractor at no cost to the County.
Certificate of Completion for "Thumb" Site
The County plans to pursue a separate "Certificate of Completion" for the portion of the site
commonly known as the "thumb" in the upper northwest corner of the site. This area was used
for officer housing during WWII, and required minimal cleanup. Cleanup on the site was
completed in spring 2013, and the site has been overseeded and lightly graded in anticipation
of redevelopment. It has its own Response Action Plan (RAP), and so is eligible for a separate
Certificate of Completion under MPCA Regulations, enabling development of this site ahead of
other portions of the site.
Test firing munitions atone of the ballistic ranges at TCAAP, c. 1942
Photo courtesy of New Brighton Historical Society
TCAAP consultant offers glimpse of
site's next phase
By Frederick Melo
finelo ftioneerpress.com
How much housing, office and retail space could Ramsey County's share of the redeveloped
Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant support?
Planning consultants for the city of Arden Hills have come up with a preliminary concept for the
427 -acre parcel, which would make up a village in its own right.
The Cunningham Group is proposing 1,700 units of housing on 168 acres, 2 million square feet
of office space on 156 acres and 300,000 square feet of retail on 18 acres.
"It's a great start. I'm really excited to hear what the public has to say," said Ramsey County
Commissioner Blake Huffman, noting the Cunningham Group has hosted a series of open houses
and small group meetings to seek input over the past year. Another open house is scheduled for
Jan. 22.
The future TCAAP development -- still in a conceptual proposal, with no specific developer
attached -- would also include 53 acres of open space and a 26 -acre spine road. Thirteen acres
would be mixed-use for both housing and commercial uses. About 8 acres would form two
parks.
The Arden Hills City Council got the first glimpse of the proposal Monday night, and the
Ramsey County Board saw it Tuesday morning.
"The council is very interested to gather input not only from the citizens of Arden Hills, but from
the surrounding community as well," said Arden Hills Mayor David Grant. "When it's
completed, it will be essentially a small city of its own, and as such, it has regional significance."
Grant emphasized the plan is preliminary and subject to change. The city council will revisit the
proposal Dec. 22. The proposal will be presented to a joint city -county development authority
Jan. 6, and the city planning commission Jan. 8. A public open house will be held at the Ramsey
County maintenance facility in Arden Hills on Jan. 22.
Ramsey County purchased the acreage -- the state's largest Superfund site -- from the federal
government earlier this year and hired the Bolander Group to perform required environmental
clean-up, which is underway. All but one of some 40 buildings have been demolished. Once the
site is removed from the state Superfund list, redevelopment would likely move forward in
stages over several years.
Grant, who said the proposal shows "great promise," said the city hopes to finalize something
close to a finished draft next summer.
"We have asked them to look at the potential of adding more park space," Grant said of the
planning consultants. "There were two parks, and they were approximately four acres each, and
we're still trying to get our arms around how much park space we feel is necessary and how
much park space residents would feel is appropriate, so we have asked them to look into that."