Council approves rezoning at 2800 South Columbia Road; multiple plats and annexation pass

The Grand Forks City Council voted Feb. 17 to approve a rezoning request for 2800 South Columbia Road, changing the site from PUDB2 shopping‑center uses to PUDB3 general business uses. President Sandy moved to approve the ordinance on second reading; the motion passed 6–1 with Councilmember Veen dissenting.

Councilmember Veen said he supported new development but raised a broader planning concern about the mall area, asking, "Should we be looking at other options?" and urging a wider discussion of long‑term vitality for the site before cementing its future use. President Sandy said she preferred a private developer with “part ownership there rather than the bank,” and urged moving forward so a developer could implement a concept while the city continues to explore larger‑scale planning for the area.

Mayor Brandon Bochinsky noted the city does not own the mall property and that zoning is the primary tool the council has to influence redevelopment. The record included an online comment submitted by GK Development that council members said was available for review.

On the same agenda the council unanimously approved final plats and related actions for Grand Park 1st Edition (dedication of right‑of‑way and final plat), a Grand Valley PUD amendment, and annexation of Grand Park 1st Edition covering the 6300–6800 blocks of South 20th Street. Each item carried on a second reading vote with no public speakers and unanimous council support.

The rezoning approval allows the developer to pursue general business uses at the 2800 South Columbia Road site; council members indicated they expect continued engagement with the developer on any broader area revitalization efforts. The ordinance change is final as approved on second reading.