EGF scraps road project over neighborhood objections

The East Grand Forks council will not move forward with plans to reconstruct 5^th Avenue Northwest and 20^th Street Northwest after local residents opposed the project.

The cost of the project was pegged at $2.27 million dollars – of which nearly $1.5 million would be special assessed.  Many property owners claimed the 20 year payment plan was too high.

The council was also informed that rising rates could mean interest payments as high as 5%.  City Administrator David Murphy says they would work with the bond counsel to secure the lowest rate possible.

Mayor Steve Gander say the vast majority of public responses to the project were against the reconstruction.  “How many believe it would be good government if we sitting up here say we are going ahead with this project.”

Council member Tim Riopelle urged the homeowners to be careful what you wish for as the cost of the project will only go up in future years.

The council voted six to one not to approve the bids.