Special Assessment Commission holding public meeting for preliminary review of north Sheyenne Street corridor reconstruction

 

The City of West Fargo Special Assessment Commission will hold a public meeting at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, virtually to discuss preliminary special assessment allocations plans for the north Sheyenne Street corridor reconstruction project. This project is scheduled for the 2021 construction season. During this meeting, the Special Assessment Commission will hear from City of West Fargo staff regarding initial project estimates that include estimated construction costs and discuss cost allocation plans. Information to join the meeting is available on the www.westfargond.gov calendar.

The project aims to replace aging infrastructure in the area that the core area infrastructure master plan study identified in the fall of 2019. This includes improvements to water mains, sanitary sewer and storm sewer throughout the corridor that either is approaching the end of its service life or is undersized. The utility replacement work was not initially part of this project, but the study results made it apparent that these utility replacements were necessary.

Under the original plans for this project, it will also add streetscaping to strengthen the area’s destination appeal and improve walkability and safety. This portion, which receives $2.37 million in funds through a grant from the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), includes new concrete, curb and gutter, diagonal and parallel parking, curb bulb outs, planters, furniture and highlight areas for future amenities like public art.

The current project estimate is $10.45 million at this time, including construction costs, land acquisitions, utility relocations, engineering, consulting services and administrative fees for legal and financial series. To cover these costs, the City will utilize a funding plan that includes $1,834,000 in capital improvement sales tax, $1,200,000 in economic development sales tax, $2,216,000 in water and sewer utility fee revenues, $2,377,446 in a NDDOT Urban Grant, $1 million in Prairie Dog Funds and $1,822,554 in special assessments. 

This meeting is not a public hearing and does not include public comments. However, there will be future opportunities to object the special assessment allocations. The improvement district for this project runs from Main Avenue W. to Seventh Avenue W. and the Sheyenne River to Fourth Street E. Following this meeting, the Special Assessment Commission will meet when the project is complete to allocate and levy special assessments for final project costs. Then, the Special Assessment Commission will publish the list of proposed special assessments and advertise an opportunity to object to the proposed special assessments and public hearing in the legal section of the West Fargo Pioneer. These pending assessments will also be available per property on https://www.westfargond.gov/518/Property-Information.

During that public hearing, impacted property owners may attend and present their objections. Based on these objections or new information presented at the public hearing, the Special Assessment Commission may alter the assessment allocations or confirm the list. Additional steps with the City Commission with opportunities to appeal will also take place before the final list is confirmed.