11-30-09 -TCAAP WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILL CITY COUNCIL TCAAP WORK SESSION-NOVEMBER 30, 2009 4 A. Ramsey County Rice Creek Trailhead Concept and TCAAP North- South Trail Connection Concept (continued) Community Development Director Lehnhoff stated the trail could be completed - within a specific corridor and have this land transferred prior to the auction. Another option would be to allow for the trail to be integrated within the development having connections from north to south. He suggested the Council discuss this and provide the staff with feedback on how they would like to proceed. Mr. Mack stated the Met Council has identified this area as a "search area" for the north-south trail within their policy plan update discussion. He found merit in several locations whether woven through the development or secured through a land alignment. If the trail corridor were secured it would allow the bidder's greater information and know that the City would be willing to negotiate realignments if necessary. Community Development Director Lehnhoff stated that if a trail corridor were secured prior to the land sale it would also allow for less of an impact on the park dedication fees and greater flexibility. Mr. Mack noted the County has not anticipated doing any trail development on the southern portion of the wildlife corridor. He indicated however that Commissioner Tony Bennett was supportive of doing a north-south corridor. Community Development Director Lehnhoff explained that if a corridor was not specifically defined with the development, there would need to be an expectation for a north-south connection. Councilmember McClung indicated he was struggling with the north-south connection concept and questioned if greater interconnections would provide greater benefit to the public. He stated that he wanted to see this site be walkable and livable for the community, but a trail corridor dedication prior to the sale may not be necessary. City Administrator Moorse felt that the City would have the ability to do both, as the development could have sidewalk requirements to create a walkable atmosphere.