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Council approves variance at 528 Western Avenue; developer says project is not cannabis‑related
Summary
Fergus Falls council approved a variance and related approvals for a mixed-use development at 528 Western Ave. Developer David Carlin said rumors about cannabis uses are incorrect and discussed access, easements and a second tenant that will follow the primary lease.
The Fergus Falls City Council on July 7 approved a variance to reduce required setbacks and allow modified lot lines at 528 Western Avenue, clearing the way for a multi-tenant development. The resolution passed by roll call.
Developer David Carlin, identifying himself as with Venture Pass Partners, answered council questions about the project's tenants, parking and easement arrangements with an adjacent hotel. Carlin told the council he could not disclose full tenant public relations details but rejected a circulating rumor about the project’s use: "It's absolutely not cannabis," he said. Carlin said a second tenant has been identified and the developer expects on-the-ground work to begin quickly to meet tenant timelines.
Council members raised concerns about driveway and access points and asked that the developer coordinate easement modifications so parking and driveway widths will support both the new project and the nearby hotel. Carlin said the team had agreed to modify an easement to allow overflow parking and that tenants were comfortable with driveway widths.
The resolution to approve the variance and related approvals passed on a unanimous roll-call vote. Staff said they would continue to coordinate with the developer and the hotel on easement modifications, signage and final site plans.
Next steps include final engineering and coordination of construction timing with the city’s public works and planning staff.
