What I would love to see is the expansion of downtown Fargo.

Mostly, due to barriers such as Island Park and the churches on the North side, most of this would have to happen to the West. In that area there are a lot of industrial businesses which could be relocated. I don't mean for these people to suffer hardship but in the middle of the city isn't the best place for them. Maybe they should be given incentives to relocate. It would help beautify downtown and allow for commercial businesses and apartments to be built

Here are some specific ideas that would help.
1. Turn the two parking lots on Roberts into a public access, pay, parking garage. Have both permanent parks for nearby residents and temporary parks available.

2. Give the Salvation Army and Labor Now incentives and help relocating/improving, possibly just a few blocks west, or wherever it makes sense. I'm just being realistic that not as many businesses are going to want to be built right around there. It may already have played a role in the downfall of the Silver Moon. Either way, it's prime real estate, in my opinion, and would be great for commercial business growth.

3. I saw the Forum article the other day telling us it is unlikely that Trader Joe's or Whole Foods will be coming any time soon. It's unfortunate, but in light of that can we at least get a 24/7 7-Eleven? It doesn't matter who it is. A Hornbachers Express would work just fine. The main floor of the new NDSU dorm building would have been perfect but anywhere in a 3 or 4 block radius from Broadway and 1st Avenue North would be fine.

Basically, the whole area has charm and the truth is some of it's lesser known gems are a big part of that charm, but if we could make it just slightly more conducive to self sustainability and livability I think it would thrive.