Buildings that need to be demolished but are on hold just add an increased risk of fires, injuries to firefighters and create spaces for unfavorable activities, Fire Chief Steve Dirksen said.
“You have to have a plan for all of this,” Commissioner Dave Piepkorn said. “A lot of it is not going to be happening while we’re here (on the commission), but you have to prepare.”
“We do not have a policy that allows this,” Commissioner John Strand said. “That’s absolutely egregious. to act arbitrarily and shoot from the hip and not have a policy direct us.”
The city’s investment in the property split city commissioners. Some saw it as an opportunity to secure more affordable homes in Fargo, while others thought the move was a financial misstep.