Sponsor: Public Works
Title
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Easement Agreement with Wedum Albion, LLC and Wedum Lexington, LLC for Lexington Parkway Private Sky Bridge
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Recommendation
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1. Approve the Lexington Parkway Private Sky Bridge Easement Agreement.
2. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the Lexington Parkway Private Sky Bridge Easement Agreement.
3. Request that a copy of the fully executed easement agreement be filed with the County Recorder’s Office.
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Background and Rationale
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The intersection of Lexington Parkway and Seventh Street in Saint Paul has been a dangerous intersection for a long time. When Riverside Elementary School closed, an opportunity arose to redevelop the property and re-align Lexington Parkway so it could intersect Seventh Street at a safer angle. Ramsey County Public Works staff entered into talks with the developer who purchased the property about an opportunity for the traveling public and the developer to benefit while maximizing the potential of property.
In 2019, Lexington Parkway realignment design coordination with the developer began. The new alignment of Lexington Parkway was to bifurcate the large parcel, and two senior living buildings were to be built, one on each side of the new roadway. Later that year, construction began on the first of two senior living buildings.
In 2020, construction of the newly aligned Lexington Parkway began and was completed in 2021. In 2022, construction began on the second of the two senior living buildings.
The agency's coordination with the developer made the best use of the property, provided homes for many, and enhanced the roadway. However, it became apparent that even more enhancements could be made. There could be a safer way for the tenants to travel between the two buildings. The developer devised a plan to finance and construct a skyway to connect the two senior living buildings so tenants can travel between the buildings in a safe manner.
Because the skyway will be in county right of way and over a county road, the developer reached out to Public Works for support of their plan. Public Works staff immediately supported this idea and began to work with the County Attorney’s office to draft an agreement for the skyway to be built over the county road right of way. Completing and signing this easement agreement will allow construction to begin on the skyway.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
There is no racial equity impact with this request for board action.
Community Participation Level and Impact
There is no community engagement associated with this request for board action.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☒ Involve ☒ Collaborate ☒ Empower
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact to Ramsey County. The skyway structure is being paid for by the owners of the buildings of which it will connect.
Last Previous Action
None.
Attachments
1. Private Sky Bridge Easement Agreement