A Fargo developer has long hoped to build a business district in empty lots west of I-29 in far north Fargo. Residents of the adjacent Reile's Acres have opposed the project from the beginning.
The Fargo Planning Commission's approval goes against city planners who say the project doesn't provide enough housing density to meet the city’s growing needs.
No more than three unrelated people can live in houses zoned single-family residential, said Planning Coordinator Donald Kress, as is the case in this neighborhood.
More than 250 people could live in the apartments, and the project is planned to keep popular restaurants in place and running in the ground floor commercial spaces, the developer says.