FARGO, N.D. – The City of Fargo Planning Commission has raised several concerns regarding a new concert venue slated for downtown Fargo. In a unanimous decision on Tuesday, the Commission granted 701 Collective LLC and Jade Presents a conditional use permit for a new concert venue and outdoor event space at 1329 5th Avenue North. The proposed venue, spanning 1.37 acres, includes plans for an outdoor festival field. Renderings and other details, such as parking, crowd control, and noise mitigation, were presented to the Planning Commission for consideration.
One major concern raised by the Commission is pedestrian safety and parking. With an estimated attendance of 2000 people, the venue would require at least 760 parking spaces. To meet this demand, 495 parking spaces would be provided through shuttle services and rideshare options. City of Fargo Transportation Engineer Jeremy Gordon noted that while most attendees are expected to arrive on foot, there are concerns regarding the proximity of the venue to railroad tracks and the need for a fence barrier.
Property owners within 300 feet of the project, including neighborhood associations, have been notified. However, renters in a nearby apartment complex are not included in this notification process. The project has received one letter of support and two letters of concern from a neighbor.
The conditional use permit approved on Tuesday is just one of several permits required for each event at the venue, including a noise permit. Currently, there is no limit on the volume of events, but they must conclude by 10 PM Monday-Thursday and 11 PM Fridays and Saturdays. The organizers aim to have the venue operational by this summer, pending further approvals and addressing the concerns raised by the Planning Commission.