The Grand Forks City Council voted Tuesday to bring more than 37 acres of land into the city limits -- 19 acres of which will be home to the city's second Walmart Supercenter.
The decision was part of a handful of requests from the retail giant and city staff that the council approved, allowing Walmart to proceed with plans to build a store near Gateway Drive and North 55th Street.
Upon reviewing site plans, Council President Hal Gershman said he was happy to see an attractive building and storm pond, but would like to see more done with landscaping near the store.
Commercial businesses must meet landscaping guidelines set by the city. City Planner Brad Gengler informed the council Walmart's plans meet the minimum requirements.
"I want them to go beyond the minimum," Gershman said, calling Walmart a "critical part" of developing Grand Forks' northwest corner.
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The request had been tabled since September 2012 to allow for review and approval of site plans by city staff.
Other news
• The council also approved $12,550 funding for five organizations' art programs after holding the money for almost a month. The money was held because some council members thought the organizations -- originally approved for the funding by a separate committee -- did not meet eligibility requirements as written in the Art Regranting Program's application.
• Mayor Mike Brown announced during the council meeting the Jason Aldean concert scheduled for Saturday has sold about 14,000 tickets so far. Grand Forks is the country singer's only North Dakota stop on his 2013 Night Train Tour.
• Prior to the council meeting, the Grand Forks Jobs Development Authority met and approved a $950,000 loan to Cirrus Aircraft. The funds will be used to expand the aircraft manufacturing company's operations in Grand Forks.
• Council Vice President Doug Christensen announced his resignation from the positions of Growth Fund president, JDA chairman and Finance and Development Committee chairman. Council member Dana Sande was elected by the council to fill the positions.
Council member Ken Vein was elected vice president of the Growth Fund.
Call Jewett at (701) 780-1108; (800) 477-6572, ext. 1108; or send email to bjewett@gfherald.com .
