West School development plan narrowly advances

A proposed replat of the former West School site advanced at last night’s Grand Forks council meeting – but not without some questions.

Developers hope to transform the shuttered school property on the city’s north side into eleven single family homes.  The project has received generally favorable reviews for its effort to blend into the surrounding neighborhood.

Council member Katie Dachtler wants assurances that the homes won’t become rental property.  “The north end isn’t just a throwaway neighborhood.  On the north end there is the thought that the city doesn’t care about them.  Whether that’s true or not you still need to address it.”

Mayor Brandon Bochenski says he understands the concerns but the owner also has certain property rights.

The council advanced the request on a 3 to 2 vote.  The project will face further scrutiny during a public hearing with the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council in January.