Investing in Smart Development

• Northstar Commuter Rail
  

  The COR is the Twin Cities’ first and only transit-oriented development along the new Northstar Commuter Rail Line. With final approval from the metropolitan council as an in-fill station, the City of Ramsey has lined up it’s financing and prepared plans for Ramsey Station at The COR. Construction commenced in the spring of 2012 with riders boarding the train in the fall of 2012. As Northstar’s most visible station, The COR will immediately bolster the ridership on the line, and continue to build recognition for this regional service.

• Highway 10/Armstrong Boulevard Interchange
  

  Located along one of the fastest growing corridors in Minnesota and the Midwest, The COR already enjoys great access to Highway 10. Planning is underway on an interchange at Armstrong Boulevard in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the Metropolitan Council and Anoka County.

• Broadband Connectivity
  

  The COR is part of an exciting new project by Anoka County underway this year to bring a core fiber loop through the project, and throughout the city. The $13.3m project will provide both broadband internet service and dark fiber capable of the highest level of service to the project, and it’s tenants. Inquiries from data centers to medical teleconference facilities have been received in The COR, and recognition of this tremendous infrastructure has put The COR in a position to continue attracting first-class tenants.

• TIF District
  

  In 2010, The City of Ramsey was granted legislative approval for the establishment of a 25-year tax increment financing (TIF) district. This $65m district will provide for area infrastructure, amenities, and private development incentives to ensure that The COR maintains it’s competitive edge in the marketplace.

By unburdening the developable land in The COR, the project maintains a competitive basis in the project, and avoids unmanageable burdens on incoming development. TIF proceeds will be used to extends sewer and water services, build roads, and assist development in their infrastructure costs as well.

Matt Look, Anoka County Commissioner, and former Ramsey City Councilmember has worked to ensure the success of the Northstar Commuter Rail service in Anoka County. As chairman of the regional rail authority Mr. Look has been instrumental in securing funding for the Ramsey Station. “The key to ensuring a successful rail system is in maximizing the segments that exist today. To that end, the new Ramsey Station at The COR will add over 200 riders daily to the existing Northstar line, and encourage sensible development around the new station furthering the growth of the line”.

Ramsey Station at The COR broke ground in the spring of 2012 and is expected to open in November 2012.