October 2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons Redevelopment Public Forum on November 15 Ramsey County Public Works Building, 1425 Paul Kirkwold Drive, Marsden Room, 6-8 p.m. The Official City Newsletter for Arden Hills Residents October 2018 Council Reiterates TCAAP Redevelopment Goals, Schedules Public Forum Election Information After more than two years of work- ing with Ramsey County, the City of Arden Hills is getting closer to making the TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons (RCC) development a reality. In the final phases of negotiating a Master Develop- ment Agreement, the City Council is reiterating the goals for the development and seeking feedback on how the City should proceed. Since the beginning of the development process and reiterated in 2016, the City has maintained a series of prin- ciples and goals to ensure that the TCAAP redevelopment is an enhancement to the City and its existing residents. In January of 2016 the Council adopted the following position on TCAAP: The City in partnership with Ramsey County seeks to redevelop the TCAAP property to achieve the goals identified in the City’s Comprehensive Plan consistent with the adopted and approved Master Plan and TCAAP Redevelopment Code. The City seeks to develop a true mixed- use village consisting of office, manu- facturing, retail space and housing for the area that provides new tax revenues, a diverse blend of land uses, high wage jobs, and the efficient delivery of public and private services that will enhance but remain complementary to existing devel- opment within the City. Diverse Development The City envisions a vibrant blend of housing, office, retail, manufacturing and other commercial and light industrial uses in the area. It is the City’s prerogative to decide what types of residential and business uses can happen on the site, but it is ultimately the developer and County’s decision to decide the specific businesses and residential make-up. High-Wage Jobs Fifty-three percent of the developable acreage of RCC is designated for office, manufacturing and retail purposes. The City seeks the creation of new, high wage, long-term jobs for this area. Sustainable and Efficient Delivery of Public and Private Services The City seeks development that promotes public transit, efficient refuse and recy- cling collection, public recreation oppor- tunities, and that minimizes demands on public safety and transportation funding. Supplemental Goals Since 2016, the City has worked earnestly to achieve these goals and will continue to partner with the County and developers to ensure the goals are met. In addition, we are working to ensure that the final Cooperative agreement protects the City financially. To that end, we have developed the following supplemental goals in the final stages of the negotiation: 1. Add to the existing stable tax base without putting the City’s credit rating at risk. 2. Ensure the costs related to building and maintaining the traditional City services do not jeopardize the City’s financial stability or credit rating. 3. Develop a City Civic Space that is welcoming and utilized by all Arden Hill residents. 4. Create a diverse housing stock to include senior housing, affordable housing and single-family housing. November 15 Public Forum On November 15, the City will hold a public forum to ensure resi- dents can offer feedback on the supplemental goals and to allow the Council and staff to share the final framework for our part- nership with Ramsey County and the developer. Additionally, the public forum will gather feedback about the proposed civic space on the site and its uses. A Civic Site Task Force, including volunteers from the City, has been formed. Site architects and consultants will attend. If you are unable to attend, please send your comments in writing to info@cityo- fardenhills.org or to City Hall, 1245 W. Highway 96, Arden Hills, MN 55112. Election Day is Tuesday, November 6. For more information about absentee and early voting, as well as polling locations, see page 3. For information on the City Council candidates, see pages 2-5.