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After heated public hearing, Grand Forks council approves Ray Richards Golf Course PUD and rezoning
Summary
Following more than an hour of public testimony and council debate about traffic, property values and UND’s role, the City Council approved a PUD and rezoning for the Ray Richards Golf Course (3801 DeMers Ave) that includes a Toptracer facility, limits on certain commercial uses near townhomes and a 169-unit cap in one zone.
The Grand Forks City Council on Feb. 2 approved the replat and planned unit development (PUD) amendments for the Ray Richards Golf Course at 3801 DeMers Avenue after an extended public hearing that drew homeowners and business-advocacy testimony.
City staff and the project team described the PUD as a means to preserve the course while improving its financial sustainability. Planner Brooks explained the PUD includes four key sections: (1) a restricted accessory-use area adjacent to townhomes intended to limit B-3 commercial intensity, (2) an unrestricted B-3 zone to the west, (3) an R-4 zone capped at 169 units, and (4) language intended to lock the larger golf-course area into golf and accessory uses. "One of the sections ... this whole area here is that Toptracer facility," staff said during the presentation.
President Armacost, representing the project team, said the development would both preserve the golf course and create amenities for golfers and the University of North Dakota’s golf program: "This is to preserve an amazing asset for our community, the Ray Richards Golf Course," he said, adding the Toptracer facility would collocate UND’s golf program lockers and indoor hitting space.
Neighbors told the council they oppose the proposal. Dan Salski, president of the Garden View Town Home Association, cited safety, noise, traffic and potential property-value loss; he said Garden View opposed the project but would not challenge zoning. "Nobody really wants a driving range in apartments in your backyard," he said.
A lengthy, evidence-heavy comment from Andrew Krasnick argued the rezoning posed risks to property values and challenged the adequacy of traffic analysis and the durability of PUD stipulations, citing a 1998 North Dakota Attorney General opinion on state immunity when university land is used for governmental purposes. Krasnick urged the council to deny rezoning to protect adjacent homeowners.
Council discussion focused on whether 34th Street can handle added traffic, the scope of UND’s mission, and whether the PUD’s stipulations sufficiently protect neighbors. Several members said the development provides a mechanism to keep the course viable; one said the road is designed as a minor arterial and can accommodate zoning for higher density. After debate, the council approved the replat and the rezoning on second readings; the roll call showed the motions carried unanimously.
What’s next: project proponents will proceed with PUD implementation and staff will monitor compliance with the PUD stipulations and any contractual commitments. Councilmembers asked for continued neighborhood engagement concerning buffers, drainage and long-term course protections.
