Development Could Spell End for Urban Park in Grand Forks

A small park, tucked away in downtown Grand Forks, could soon be a casualty of the march of progress.

The city gained ownership of the lot on Fourth Street South after the 1997 flood.

It was transformed into a small park, with sculptures, and even a little free library.

But the Grand Forks City Council is now considering asking for proposals to develop the site.

Any building on the lot would have to be at least four stories tall, according to the planning department.

For locals, like Mark Brandon and his dog Charlie, the prospect of losing the park is a hard subject to talk about.

“I have mixed emotions on it. I also like to see progress,” Brandon adds, “but I hate to see any of our green spaces used up too, so it’s mixed feelings for me.”

The city council will decide whether to move forward with development at its May 16th meeting.