Minot Apartment Proposal Stirring Up Controversy | Video

Amy Fox | 7/31/2012

Situated along 4th Avenue and 27th Street, just behind St John`s Catholic Church is a piece of empty land.

"Our biggest worry, of course, is the exit of the cars going out of the place and off course the children that`s going across to the school," said resident Edward Bjork.

St. John`s is looking to sell the land to help pay for the church’s expansion. But, neighbors like Bjork, aren`t sure an apartment complex is the right development for the area.

"If you look at the map, in fact, the city sorted out,” said Bjork. "The map circles the whole area. This area that they`re trying to develop over here is agricultural.”

If the proposal is passed, the stop sign along 4th Ave. and 27th St. would be the only exit for both the neighborhood and the apartment complex, which is causing neighbors, like Sharen Dufner to speak out.

"Right now, when the cars come over the hill, they come very fast, much faster than 25 miles per hour,” said Dufner. “And, as I`m trying to back out of my driveway."

While many neighbors are concerned about the increase in traffic and noise, people like Molly Tipton are viewing the proposal in a more positive light.

"A permanent place for people to live is better than people staying in hotels, so I`m not too worried about it. I know it`s going to be busy here no matter what."

Although people in the area say there should be something built on the empty land, many believe there are better locations for this large apartment complex.

"If you more it out of town, like 31st Ave. between 21st and 31st, there`s a brand new grocery store going up, there`s a new junior high. They could have four outlets there, here they only got one," said Bjork.

Bjork and his neighbors are looking forward to Monday`s City Council meeting.

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