Council approves zone change for Moose property owned by Red River Nation after resident opposition

The Red River Town Council approved a Planning & Zoning recommendation to rezone the Moose property, newly purchased by Red River Nation, from Planned Unit Development (PUD) to General Business.

Planning staff told the council the applicant requested the change to allow a range of uses on the property — including residential units, retail and short-term rental lodging — and that staff had mailed 13 certified notices to properties within 100 feet. Staff reported mixed responses and a P&Z recommendation to approve the change. The presentation emphasized that any future, specific developments (for example a hotel) would still require separate approvals.

Before the council voted, resident Frederick Reid, who said he owns the property adjacent on East River to the Moose parcel, asked to speak and opposed the change. “I stand in opposition of the change,” Reid said. “I believe that the town of Red River, if they allow all the uses under the General Business zone, and let’s say, for instance, a hotel decides to come in on the south side of the river… you’re going to face major legal battles if you try to stop something like that.”

Councilors asked staff clarifying questions about whether PUD previously allowed hotels (staff said it did not) and whether an overlay zone would apply; staff said the requested General Business designation could allow broader commercial uses and that any specific project would return for review and required approvals. After brief discussion the council moved to adopt the planning commission’s recommendation and approved the zone change by roll-call vote.

What happens next: staff will proceed with the zoning change as adopted; any future development proposals on the site would be subject to separate review and approvals.