West Fargo planning commission recommends rezoning for South Elementary and adjacent playground

The West Fargo Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend rezoning South Elementary School and the adjacent Southside Playground from R-2 (single- and two-family residential) to the Public Facilities district to allow school additions, playground improvements and off-street parking. The properties are at 117 Sixth Avenue West and the adjacent playground parcels.

City planning staff told the commission the school and playground have been in use since the early 1950s and are currently permitted uses in the R-2 district but that the Public Facilities zoning district — adopted in 2000 — creates a zoning classification intended to promote development, maintenance and identification of lands used by the city, parks and school districts. "This application was received in order to rezone South Elementary School and the adjacent playground on the South Side to public facilities," staff said. Staff said notices were sent to property owners within 150 feet and to applicable agencies; staff reported one call in support and one request for more information and recommended approval as consistent with city plans and ordinances.

There was no public comment during the hearing. After staff remarks a commissioner moved to recommend approval; a second was given and the commission took a roll-call vote. The roll call recorded unanimous "yes" votes and the motion carried.

The recommendation will be forwarded to the City Commission for final action; staff said a representative from the school district was available to answer questions during the hearing.