Mayor Brandon Bochenski used his first State of the City address last night (Wednesday) to highlight accomplishments Grand Forks has made during the past year.
Bochenski talked about navigating the pandemic and his vision for the future. That includes placing a greater percentage of Growth Fund dollars on business development with an emphasis on the tech sector. Conversations are also underway on what to do with the old water treatment plant site…downtown developments…and scheduled improvements on the UND campus.
The mayor also addressed one of the findings in a recent market capture analysis suggesting the city lacks attractions and entertainment. Bochenski says that includes development along the 42nd Street corridor that targets a city owned parcel near the Alerus Center. ” We are working on a master plan for more experiential amenities like a children’s museum, indoor turf facility, BMX track, destination park, and tech-learning center. This area has a lot of potential and has been sitting as a vacant field for many years.”
Bochenski says they are also working with the owners of Columbia Mall on some creative redevelopment ideas. “GK Development and local partners are developing a master plan that will incorporate the retail footprint and include public spaces into a broader mixed use development with the possibility of an indoor turf facility, aquatic center, and other needed entertainment experiences. We are excited by their renewed interest and urgency in the mall’s much needed redevelopment.
The mayor closed his remarks by suggesting Grand Forks has a lot to be optimistic about – and a lot to be excited for.
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