Welcome to Ramsey: The Gateway to Greater Minnesota

Abstract

This project was completed as part of the 2017-2018 Resilient Communities Project (rcp.umn.edu) partnership with the City of Ramsey. Ramsey is bisected by U.S. Highway 10, which is slated for significant upgrades to convert the corridor to a limited-access highway. The City has instituted land use controls to minimize short-term public or private investments that would need to be removed at a future date as the plan is implemented. However, the uncertain timing of future Highway 10 improvements makes it difficult for landowners along the corridor to invest in or sell their property. The City wanted assistance identifying key short-term improvements or initiatives that could enhance aesthetics, safety, access, wayfinding, land use, and property values in the corridor. Students in Dr. Fernando Burga’s Land Use Planning class identified challenges and opportunities associated with the Highway 10 corridor, outlined best practices in placemaking to inform short-term improvements, and identified specific high-priority upgrades or improvements consistent with long-term plans for the corridor. A final report is available.