Council approves Les Schwab service center at 1701 West Lincoln Avenue

The Fergus Falls City Council on July 7 approved a conditional use permit to operate a car and truck service and repair business at 1701 West Lincoln Avenue. The resolution passed on a unanimous roll-call vote.

The permit drew questions from Council Member Mike Mortonson and others about access and the adjacent lot. Sher Erenss of Westwood Professional Services, representing the Les Schwab site, told the council the south access is needed for truck circulation and that the developer will market the second lot for future use, either to sell or lease. "We do have the south access," Erenss said, explaining a curb cut and planned regrading to support vehicle movements. Erenss said Les Schwab typically employs 10–18 people at a location and is active in community donations.

Council Member Mortonson said ensuring the second lot can be developed or leased is important for long-term economic development and asked staff and the developer to consider whether separate access points would be appropriate. Erenss said the team is "open to working with the city" on access and circulation design.

The council moved quickly to a vote after the discussion. The resolution authorizing the conditional use permit was offered and adopted on roll call with all members voting yes.

With the permit approved, staff and the developer will continue to finalize site plans, access details and construction timing. The council’s approval allows the project to proceed to whatever site-preparation and permitting steps follow in the city's review process.