Plans to move the Riverside Christian School to the Columbia Mall received final approval from the Grand Forks Planning and Zoning Commission last night (Wednesday).
The school was seeking an amendment to the zoning code to locate in the old Macy’s location. Concept plans call for outside greenspace including a ballfield and a playground. The P & Z motion requires buffers and a six foot fence to increase safety due to mall traffic.
City Planner Ryan Brooks says placing a school in the area should not impact nearby businesses that hold a liquor license – or potential new businesses from obtaining a license in the mall. “The food court in the Columbia Mall could still have a liquor license if an establishment went there – beer and wine. The city council would still evaluate that separately. This would not prevent somebody from getting one.”
A school official says for security reasons the school plans to block off access to the mall itself.
The project still has one more stop – a public hearing with the Grand Forks City Council on March 20th.
Picture: GF staff report/ICON
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
