GF council reviews new school build plan

Plans to convert the former Macy’s store into a private school advanced at last night’s Grand Forks council meeting.

The council is being asked to amend the current zoning map to include a school as an allowable use on the property.

The Riverside Christian School plan calls for outside greenspace – including a ballfield and a playground. Planning officials are working with the school to make sure safety and security features are built into the design.

Council member Ken Vien says he’s not against the idea but it’s worthy of some discussion.  “philosophically we as a community are making a major shift in the utilization of retail space.”

Council President Dana Sande says malls are being transformed nationwide.  “The school is currently located in East Grand Forks and they are talking about coming to our community to a facility completely underutilized and making a major investment in our town.”
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The council will hold a March 20th public hearing on the zoning request.