GF Housing Shortage Could Turn Into Regional Growth - Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand Forks

GF Housing Shortage Could Turn Into Regional Growth

  The northern valley is facing a housing shortage that could mean major growth for Grand Forks, and the communities that surround it.

  As many as 5-thousand new people are expected at the Air Base in the next few years and housing at the Base is already full.

   In recent years, all kinds of new apartments and town homes have sprung up in downtown Grand Forks.  But, according to a recent study by the City, there's simply not enough affordable housing in Grand Forks at any price level.

John Schmisek, GF County Commission: "I think the solution is that as things firm up over time… to actually do that. Start talking to developers, start talking to people about it.

  Housing officials say that any home valued at 200-thousand dollars or less is gone within 2 days after it comes on the market. And hundreds of homes in that category…. like here in Lincoln Drive Park neighborhood were swept away with the flood of 1997.

  Realtors say there's also a shortage of higher priced homes on the market, and some say, it's a good, sign of the times.

Skip Greenberg, Greenberg Realty: "Grand Forks, the Community is growing as fast as I've ever seen it and I think that bodes well for North Dakota and our Community."

  New housing developments on the south and west side of town will mean around 300 new homes.  Plus,  Commissioner Schmisek says they've met with the leaders in surrounding smaller towns… to make them aware of Federal dollars that are available expand housing in small communities around Grand Forks.

John Schmisek: "Absolutely, absolutely and that's how we approached it. We wanted to make them aware of the opportunity for them in this environment."

  A housing shortage here could spring into growth for Grand Forks and the Communities that surround it.