1D, TCAAP Planning Process - Laserfiche WebLink

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City was working with a developer and held a reasonable belief that the property was going to be redeveloped in the near future. Because of those circumstances, the City needed to work toward creating a detailed master plan that included input from the community. That master plan would then have become the basis for new zoning regulations for the TCAAP property. Although the City had significant discussions on such topics as land use layouts, design options, density, and parks, no plans were adopted by the City. Additionally, none of the design information was translated into a master plan that would be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan or City zoning ordinances. While that information may be a resource for future discussions, the circumstances of the TCAAP property have changed since May 2009. The borders of the TCAAP property may be adjusted to accommodate the Ramsey County park requests and removal of the primer tracer area, thereby reducing the number of acres to be sold. The proposed "local access interchange" on Highway 10 is unlikely to move forward, which reduces the potential development capacity of the property. Finally, the TCAAP property does not yet have a developer. Despite these changes, there are items that should be addressed prior to the public auction. Now that the GSA and Army intend on selling the TCAAP property at a public auction, the timing and immediate goals of the planning process have changed. Preparing a detailed master plan right now would be difficult because of the many open questions related to the property, including,but not limited to, the need for intersection upgrades, the extent of the remediation that needs to be completed, and other infrastructure improvements. Additionally, creating a detailed master plan with public input prior to the auction would involve considerable time and resources that could result in a plan that is not viable. When the property is sold, however, it will be important to be ready to work with a developer and actively involve the community. Starting a public planning process too early could have a negative impact if the input is set aside or the process is restarted when the developer is known. A public planning process is more successful when the public can be involved and have a long-lasting, meaningful impact. The 2030 Comprehensive Plan was written to set the foundation for a mixed use development on the TCAAP property that includes housing, parks, open space, and businesses. Although the changes to the TCAAP property are important, the basic mixed use idea is still in place even if such details of final density and road locations are not yet known. Prior to the public auction, the City will be in the best position if the Zoning Code is updated to reflect the City's goals and overall interests for the property. This information will help potential bidders make knowledgeable decisions and help protect the City from a legal perspective on land use. The planning process has become somewhat unique since RRLD withdrew from the project. Typically, a city would adopt a plan through a community planning process. Once the plan is adopted, the zoning regulations would be written to implement the plan zoning is a tool of planning and not a plan by itself. Prior to the public auction, much of the focus needs to be on prepping the zoning code to handle a future master plan. The proposed zoning regulations would become, in a sense, a "plan to create a plan." At this stage, the public engagement process may City of Arden Hills C.-Documents and Settingslbecky.brazyslLocal Settings)Temporary Internet Files DLK15F021610-CCMemo-TCAAP Planning and Public Engagement.doc Page 3 of 7