Williston approves first reading for PUD core-area zoning change and conditionally rezones Energy Center lots for planned arena

On March 10 the Williston Board of City Commissioners approved the first reading of Ordinance 1176 to amend the Core Area Subdistrict (Section F) of the Williston Square Planned Unit Development, clarifying permitted and prohibited uses intended to encourage mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented development in the project’s core.

City Planner Kent Jarcik described the amendment as intended to preserve a flexible commercial framework for a core area designed to integrate recreational facilities (including the Energy Center) with retail, office and residential uses. After a public hearing with no comments, the board approved the first reading by a 4–0 vote.

The board also considered a rezone request to change Lots 4, 5 and 6 of the Energy Center Subdivision from the Business Overlay District to the Mixed-Use Core Area Subdistrict. Mason White, a citizen commenter, asked what specific development the rezoning would enable and what public benefits would justify the change. President Klug said the rezoning supports construction of a hockey arena and associated amenities administered by the park district and funded through a mix of public and private fundraising efforts, with a county contribution via a quality-of-life sales tax.

Commissioners approved the rezoning contingent on second reading and passage of Ordinance 1176 (motion by Bekkedahl; second Bervig; vote 4-0). The map amendment aligns the zoning of the subject lots with adjacent Energy Center parcels to promote complementary development.