WEST FARGO — A social media post from a West Fargo business owner who feared losing his gardening business to a new city sign led city leaders to take the issue to the West Fargo City Commission. I decided to bring it to.
Following the regular agenda for Monday, March 4's City Commission meeting, Commissioner Mandy George said the Sheawest Garden Center is a “great business” that needs city help.
On Friday, March 1, Shae West owner Jodi Carias posted on the store's Facebook page after seeing a new “No Parking” sign installed along the gravel road adjacent to the garden center. , said this eliminated one of the few options left. Business parking lot.
In the post, Carias described attempts to find a better access point to the business since opening in 2020. That included a request to the City Commission to use city-owned Fourth Avenue as an access point in 2022. That request was rejected by the commission.
SheaWest Garden Center is located at the corner of 40th Avenue and Sheyenne Street, in a mostly residential area, next to the city's recycling drop-off area.
Carias, a West Fargo resident, said in a post that she felt the billboard was “unwanted” in the city and asked for help from the community by contacting city commissioners.
“We are literally overcoming every obstacle to make this site available to your city,” Carias wrote. “If we don’t shout it from the rooftops as soon as possible and start advocating for us in every way possible, we will lose this comfort and magic.”
As of Monday night, SheyWest's post had received 785 likes, nearly 700 shares and more than 260 comments.
David Samson/The Forum
George said he heard from many residents over the weekend and met with Carias earlier in the day.
“This is really hurting a great business,” George said. “She has the support of the community. I believe it's our responsibility as a committee to support this business and support this community. This is a situation where I can do something. is.”
Ms. George asked the Committee to consider forming a small group, including staff and a committee member, to work directly with Ms. Carias and find solutions to the access and parking issues she experienced. I asked for it.
The commission voted unanimously to create the task force, and Commissioner Roben Anderson, who holds the engineering portfolio as commissioner, is working with staff and Mr. Carias, with plans to meet in the near future.
Carias also attended the meeting and thanked the committee and said the post was not intended to stir up any ill will toward city leaders.
File photo by David Samson/Forum
“While some of the comments were hostile, I want you to know that was not my intention,” Carias said. “I appreciate the (community) support and I appreciate the help. I want to stay there and make this business great for many years to come. I apologize if I took it too seriously or if I took it too far.”
Wendy Reuter covers all things West Fargo for The Forum.
