FARGO — The Fargo Planning Commission unanimously approved a zoning change for the proposed River Lofts in the Oak Grove neighborhood near downtown Fargo and the Red River on Tuesday, Sept. 3.

The commission repealed the existing Planned Unit Development overlay that encompassed the northwest portion of the property, a mostly empty lot by Oak Street and Sixth Avenue North. This change will help clarify and define which area will be used for townhouses and which area will be used for apartments, Assistant Planning Director Mark Williams said.

Although there have been multiple neighborhood meetings and concerns over the project from some Oak Grove residents, there was no comment from the public during Tuesday's meeting. Concerns have included increased parking, traffic and aesthetics.

The project consists of a $19 million upscale complex of 94 apartments, 24 condos, and 11 to 14 townhouses. The top floor of the building will be used for condos, instead of apartments. The townhouses will initially be rented but may be available for purchase in the future, developer Jesse Craig said.

Dawn Morgan, a planning commission member, noted that Craig had done everything to make the projects meet the needs of neighborhood residents. “I applaud the tenacity of Jesse Craig,” she said.

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Tuesday's meeting was meant to address zoning issues that must be satisfied before platting matters can move forward, Craig said previously. He said building permits would be pursued once platting matters are addressed.