FARGO (KFGO/KVRR) – Fargo City Commissioners approved a motion to construct a partial cloverleaf interchange at the I-29 and 64th Avenue S. overpass.
Several people living near the overpass have been opposed to the project saying they were guaranteed it would never have on and off ramps.
Rob Kost lives near 64th Avenue South and talked to city planners and city commissioners about concerns he and his neighbors have.
“Address pedestrian safety, we address driver safety, we address the delivery and service access, noise pollution and special assessments. We’ve been hit very hard already,” said Kost. “These are valid concerns by our neighborhood and we really need to make sure that there’s engineering solutions put in place. We’ve had very good, productive meetings, I’m just asking for follow-through.”
Commissioners passed a second motion to look into addressing safety issues for those living to the east of the overpass.
A city engineer also addressed concerns about special assessments in that area.
“We limit the initial special assessment and defer anything for, typically it’s been 10 years. There are some triggers that if they redevelop to a higher and better use, those deferrals go away, but there are some tools in place to limit the special assessments on those adjacent residential parcels,” said city engineer Tom Knakmuhs.
Some local developers spoke in favor of the project during the city commission meeting. Austin Morris with Enclave Development says this area will benefit from better access.
“Fargo Public Schools owns 68 acres out here, you have all sports complex, the largest all sports complex in our state that’s driving traffic from all across the state for sporting events. You have Capstone School, you have NDSCS, and you have an opportunity for economic impact, higher assessed value and a much more productive development,” said Morris.
It has been a 20 year process and over $21 million in federal funding has been awarded for the project.
Construction will begin in 2028.
Comments