Fargo Planning Commission recommends denying sidewalk‑waiver for Thunder Road area; case heads to City Commission

The Fargo Planning Commission on July 7 voted to recommend denial of a petition to waive sidewalks for portions of Adams 5th and 9th editions near Thunder Road, forwarding the recommendation to the City Commission for final action on July 20.

Donald Kress of the Planning and Development Department, who presented the item, said the Land Development Code favors sidewalks citywide and staff recommended denial. "Sidewalks should be everywhere," he said, adding that the city engineer had identified the area as part of a broader sidewalk‑installation project.

Property owners who petitioned for the waiver told the commission sidewalks were unnecessary for the industrial area and would impose costs. Rob Tandeski, part owner of Thunder Road, asked, "Why after 26 years do we need a sidewalk? ... That's a public sidewalk, so then we have to pay for that. We're not open 12 months of the year." Judy McCoy of McCoy Properties said she found no disclosure about required sidewalks when she purchased her property and said pedestrian activity in the area has been limited.

Dave Jones of Choice Investments said the cul‑de‑sac and surrounding lots see little walk‑in activity and raised safety concerns from increased foot traffic, adding that the area has experienced theft and other problems.

Commissioners debating the petition split on pragmatic concerns vs. policy consistency. One commissioner said the city should be commended for requiring sidewalks on all streets and warned that installing sidewalks later can be contentious: "Install sidewalks now rather than have contentious discussion later," they said, noting the area could see more intense development near I‑29 and 32nd Avenue.

Another commissioner acknowledged the industrial character and low pedestrian demand in portions of the site and asked whether a targeted compromise — sidewalks through the entertainment/Thunder Road parcel and not beyond — could be developed, while noting any repeatable waiver approach would need clear standards.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to deny the waiver (accept staff recommendation); a second supported the motion. The commission conducted a roll call and the motion carried. Donald Kress told the petitioners the commission's recommendation will be presented to the City Commission at its July 20 meeting for a final decision.

The decision distinguishes between discussion (petitioners' concerns about cost and limited pedestrian use), policy direction (commission reaffirming citywide sidewalk policy), and a formal recommendation (denial forwarded to the City Commission). Staff indicated no formal pedestrian counts had been conducted for this location; several commissioners asked staff to consider whether targeted solutions (lighting, police presence, or a limited sidewalk extent) might be appropriate during City Commission consideration.