West Acres Mall operators dispute commissioners comments about not wanting MATBUS hub

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — West Acres Mall operators are disputing comments made last night by Commissioner Dave Piepkorn.

He said the mall doesn’t want the MATBUS hub saying, quote, “this is West Acres telling us to get out so I just want people to be aware of that.”

West Acres Mall COO Alissa Adams in a statement said “we were surprised and disappointed to hear the comments.”

She says West Acres has a long-standing and positive relationship with MATBUS and they hope to continue it for years to come.

People have voiced concerns about the hub being moved to the bus shelter at Walmart on 13th Avenue South.

MATBUS leaders say it costs $175,000 to lease and provide security at the West Acres hub.

Adams says MATBUS does not pay rent to West Acres and the majority of the cost is for security.

She says the city pays around $17,000 for maintenance fees.

She also says talks continue.

MATBUS is increasing fares and looking to change a number of routes due to rising costs.