West Fargo tables Hope Lutheran rezoning after neighborhood traffic concerns

The West Fargo City Commission on Aug. 4 voted to table a request by Hope Lutheran Church to rezone and plat roughly 12 acres for a new West Fargo campus, sending the item to a future meeting after commissioners asked the city to pay for an independent traffic study.

The commission’s pause follows extensive public comment both opposing and supporting the project and comes with direction that staff return the matter to the commission at its first Monday meeting in October after a consultant completes traffic counts and analysis.

The matter matters to residents because the proposed campus would add a large institutional use adjacent to existing single-family neighborhoods. Opponents said the project, as currently designed, would increase vehicle volumes on narrow residential streets, pose pedestrian-safety risks and conflict with principles in the city’s comprehensive plan. Supporters including church members and the project architect said the church has pursued the site for years and is willing to work with neighbors on access and signage.

Public commenters opposing the…