What properties is Ramsey County considering selling?
There are two county-owned properties in Maplewood along South Century Avenue. The 77-acre “Site A” is located just north of Ramsey County Correctional Facility. The 88-acre “Site B” has operated as the The Ponds at Battle Creek golf course.
What is Ramsey County’s motivation for this project?
Site A (north of the Corrections facility) has been unused for many years. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the golf course on Site B had not been profitable in recent years. Ramsey County routinely reviews property that it owns to consider new opportunities for uses that can meet existing and changing community needs.
What are the county’s goals for the two properties?
Ramsey County’s vision is a vibrant community where all are valued and thrive. Broad community and economic development goals generally include creating jobs, investing in housing and expanding the county’s tax base. Ramsey County is currently leading the development of an Economic Competitiveness & Inclusion Plan that will develop strategies and policies ensuring that all residents have opportunity to increased wealth-building and economic mobility, including through access to quality housing. Additionally, Ramsey County prioritizes environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Ramsey County and the City of Maplewood are seeking input on what the future of the site could bear, and does not have a defined or preferred use for the two properties, but seeks to determine a range of potential uses that align with the values of the City of Maplewood and the County.
Will the golf course be open in 2021? Does the golf course make a profit?
Ramsey County’s 2020-2021 budget directed ceasing operations at The Ponds at Battle Creek golf facility. The official closure date was September 12, 2021. The decision to close The Ponds at Battle Creek was the result of several factors:
- The Ponds at Battle Creek opened in 2004 and was financed as an “enterprise fund,” meaning it was intended to be self-supporting, paying for its operating expenses as well as the initial investment of $3.5 million the county made to build the course.
- The Ponds at Battle Creek golf course hasn’t proven profitable and has lost money operationally seven out of the past 11 seasons.
- In 2015, the county board forgave $5.7 million of debt for The Ponds at Battle Creek enterprise fund since the facility was unable to generate enough revenue to cover its debt payments. This includes the original investment, accrued interests and advances to the enterprise fund from other county funds.
What is the timeframe for Ramsey County to sell the Ponds at Battle Creek golf course site?
Ramsey County issued a Request for Developer Interest for each of the properties on August 16, 2021. Deadline to submit a proposal was Oct. 4. The County decided not to accept any of the proposals submitted for the South parcel (former golf course). No proposals were received for the North parcel.
Has there been any interest from potential developers to purchase the golf course site and maintain it as a golf course?
The county issued a Request for Development Interest for the north and south parcels in the fall of 2021. No responses were received for the north parcel; three responses were received for the south parcel. The responses were reviewed for alignment with several priority areas including regulatory (land use) feasibility, financial feasibility and alignment with equity goals identified within the County’s Economic Competitiveness & Inclusion Plan. On February 1, 2022 the Ramsey County Board decided to reject all proposals received. The county team continues to work with the city of Maplewood and the community to evaluate future development.
Consistent with Minnesota Statutes § 13.591, subd. 3(b), information submitted in the proposals will remain private/nonpublic until the county abandons plans for the sale of the property or issues a new solicitation.
Can the properties be purchased by a community fund to maintain the land as golf course/open space?
All proposals were considered when development interest was solicited in the Fall of 2021.
Has a biological inventory been completed for these two sites?
A wetland delineation, soil suitability and slopes analysis have been completed. The county is also conducting a natural resources study to identify the native plants and wildlife on the property. The county’s due diligence work will continue throughout the process.
How many south Maplewood residents have participated in the planning process?
There were more than 135 participants at the Nov. 19, 2020 community meeting (presentation), and more than 110 at the Jan, 27, 2021 meeting (Video | Presentation). Both community meetings had a large representation of residents of Maplewood, and also included city elected officials. Maplewood residents have also participated in focus groups. In addition, nearly 830 people responded to two community surveys. In addition, the City of Maplewood has received numerous letters, calls and emails from Maplewood residents about these properties.
What is the Land Use and Zoning Designation for these properties?
In the city of Maplewood’s 2040 Land Use Plan Site A is guided as Public/Institutional and Site B is guided as Park. Sites A & B are both zoned as Residential-Farm according to the city of Maplewood’s zoning map.
Does the "no net loss" of park and open space provision of the Ramsey County Home Rule Charter prevent the use of the property for any purpose other than park and open space?
No. The no net loss provision does not apply to the South Maplewood-Century Avenue Redevelopment Properties. The Ponds at Battle Creek golf course was constructed on land acquired for Community Corrections purposes. In 2001, when approving the use of the Community Corrections land for the golf course, the Board affirmed “...that the property to be developed as a golf facility shall continue to be part of the County’s Community Corrections system and, therefore, is not subject to the no net loss of park and open space provision of the Ramsey County Home Rule Charter.”
Definitions
- Residents-first approach. Ramsey County is committed to be a resident-centered organization. Ramsey County will drive improvements in service delivery and facilities, with an emphasis on engaging residents and employees, process efficiency, innovative technology and accessibility. Additionally, the County is committed to the advancement of racial equity and empowering community by engaging them at all levels of decision-making.
- Equitable development. Ramsey County is committed to inclusive community and economic development that creates job and housing opportunities for all County residents.
- Low-impact development. This term generally refers to land planning and design approaches which seek to maintain a site’s predevelopment ecological and hydrological function through the protection, enhancement, or mimicry of natural processes. Stormwater management is a key approach in low-impact development.
Ramsey County and the City of Maplewood are working together to plan for potential future development at the 88-acre site currently owned by Ramsey County and formerly operated as The Ponds at Battle Creek golf course, and a 77-acre undeveloped parcel just north of the Ramsey County Correctional Facility. The Ponds at Battle Creek closed as of September 12, 2021.