WEST FARGO - Several contentious issues among business owners and city leaders will come before West Fargo commissioners Monday night.
Echoing a conflict from three years ago, several businesses along Main Avenue want a change in design plans for the reconstruction project slated to resume next summer.
The first phase of the Main Avenue project - between Fifth Street West and Sixth Street East - was completed in 2009 to resounding complaints from business owners who said the refurbished avenue restricted cusÂtomÂers' access to their properties.
As part of the three-phase reconstruction, the frontÂage roads along Main Avenue are being removed in lieu of newer turn-offs to nearby businesses.
State transportation officials - who are leading the project - wanted to finalize design plans in July for the 2012 work, affecting the stretch from Sixth Street East to the city's eastern border with Fargo.
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But at least four businesses fear an adverse effect on their properties under the plan and are asking West Fargo leaders to support a slight change.
Owners of Lars Body Shop, D&D Warehouse Rentals, Miller & Sons Drywall Inc., and All-Pro Automotive Inc. want the refinished avenue to allow for both eastbound and westbound entry to their businesses - all of which are on the 2000 block of Main Avenue East.
Current design plans only allow for westbound entry to each business.
"A limited access to our property would impair customers' ability to reach our business and be a detriment to our ability to properly service our customers' needs," body shop President Lars Dyrdahl wrote in his request to the commission this month.
Also during Monday's meeting, commissioners will determine how to proceed with a nuisance complaint and violation involving Glass Advantage, 2350 15th St. NW.
The business recycles glass by burning labels and breaking the glass down into smaller sizes.
However, neighboring businesses - E.W. Wylie and F & M Transport - have complained that the glass facility emanates smoke and other residue that's causing problems.
The two companies told city officials their employees' vehicles have been dusted with the residue, and some individuals have even reported headaches and rashes, which they believe are caused by Glass Advantage's facility.
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City officials are recommending West Fargo commissioners approve a course of action for Glass Advantage to clean up its problem or face action in municipal court.
The North Dakota Department of Health Âdoesn't require Glass Advantage to have a permit, so city officials determined the violation was of city ordinance, not state health codes.
If you go
- What: West Fargo Commission meeting
- When: 5:30 p.m. Monday
- Where: 800 4th Ave. E., West Fargo
- Info: The meeting is open to the public.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Kristen Daum at (701) 241-5541
