Committee approves Phase 1 design services for downtown Gateway and Greenway project after maintenance concerns

The Grand Forks Committee of the Whole on Monday approved a professional services contract authorization for Phase 1 of the downtown Gateway and Greenway project, which staff said received grant support from the National Park Service’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy program.

Staff said the Phase 1 work will produce preliminary designs for the roughly 20‑acre site south of the Sorlie Bridge (near DeMers Avenue) and that the RFQ process produced multiple proposals; the selection committee recommended Houston Engineering and RDG for initial work and community engagement. The motion to authorize the contracts passed unanimously.

Council members voiced support for the grant and design work but raised operational concerns. Council Member Lisowski cautioned against placing excessive infrastructure on the floodwall side of the levee, citing maintenance costs and the need to avoid designs that would require frequent removal or seasonal work. Council Member Lonsky asked whether the project would change the levee; staff replied the initial concept is to work within the existing flood protection infrastructure and to provide ADA access while relying on existing restroom facilities until upgrades are necessary.

Staff also said potential future parking shown on the concept plan is not part of Phase 1 and would be considered later if the city elects to include it. The Phase 1 scope will include hydraulic and hydrology analysis where earthwork is proposed and will include community input meetings during preliminary design.

The motion to move forward on retaining professional services was made by Council Member Kosowski and seconded by Council Member Lunsky; the motion carried unanimously.