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The Official City Newsletter for Arden Hills Residents January/February 2019 In early November, Ramsey County Manager Ryan O’Connor informed city staff that he was significantly reducing resources devoted to the Rice Creek Commons development project, citing the lack of a shared vision with the City of Arden Hills. Neither county commissioners nor county staff attended the first Joint Development Authority (JDA) meet- ing of the New Year. “It’s very unfortunate that Ramsey County has currently chosen to halt negotiations with the City of Arden Hills,” said Mayor Grant. “The city has called a special meeting of the JDA for February 4 to try to move things forward, as it's unclear what the county plans are for continuing with a mixed-use development on the site for the foreseeable future.” Results of that meeting will be included in the March issue of Arden Hills Notes. “We previously agreed to a vision for the property and we were finally get- ting close to agreeing to terms related to the financing of the plan,” said Grant, saying that earlier concerns about sewer and water credits and fees were resolved. “Then Ramsey County decided at the last minute to temporar- ily divert resources from the project, citing the lack of a shared vision.” County officials have asked for more density and affordable housing on the property and a greater financial contri- bution from the city. These demands reflect recent changes from prior agreements reached by the county and city in 2012, 2016 and 2018. TCAAP Plans Continued on Page 2 The city held a public forum on November 15 to review the proposed TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons development plan to date, including overall financing, parks, amenities and a proposed civic site on the former TCAAP property. Some 50 residents were asked to provide feedback on two surveys. One was on the project's overall scope and financing. The other was on the proposed civic site. Forty-one people responded to the overall TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons survey, and 34 people responded to the civic site survey. Survey respondents wanted a better understanding of the projected costs to the city and more details on the open space plan for Rice Creek Commons. Some also cited concerns related to additional density requests, traffic and impact to schools. They cautioned the city to avoid duplication of amenities of neighboring cities, chains and franchises, public management of private facilities, and a fast pace in building out a community center or civic building. In light of Ramsey County announcing a scale back in resources the week prior, some residents wanted more information and open discussion. Desired Civic Site Amenities The majority of respondents wanted a civic site on the property. The following are ameni- ties that were suggested by those who completed the surveys: a walking track, fitness classes, a gymnasium, meeting spaces, banquet space, cross-country ski trails, skating rinks, a restaurant and underground parking. They indicated they would like to see a well- planned site with multi-use spaces. TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons Survey Results During a November public forum, residents reviewed display boards that showed pro- posals for the TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons redevelopment. City Moves Ahead with TCAAP Plans as County Pauses