GForks

You want facts and no speculation? Here it is. It was a "preworkout" type drink. A "handful" of players used it (not as many as the "widespread throughout the locker room") comment by mom. BR is the only one who took it that got tested. Unaware that there was any NCAA Banned Substance in it. It is not caffeine as some here have suggested. Some scientific drug/ingredient name that I can't remember. Provided by the motivational coach. Even some coaches drank it, that's how unaware everyone was as to this banned ingredient. Not saying they are wrong to drink it, just stating facts. That's how harmless it seemed to everyone who was given it.

UND was a good team in 2016, however I don't think they were a "dominant" team. They generally had a tough time putting a game to bed. They dominated for stretches or portions of a game, but didn't really ever put together 60 minutes where they beat the living piss out of a team. I think it would be wrong to doubt that UND was a good team. They were a couple silly plays from going 11-0. You don't accidentally go 11-0 (or 9-2) in the Big Sky without being at least "good". I would say the only actual doubters are NDSU fans who don't want to admit UND is good in a hurry. Everyone else would be willing to admit UND is good. They certainly aren't NDSU yet, so I'm not going to pretend they are. But going from what they were to what they are in only 3 years, it may be sooner rather than later that a game against NDSU is an actual game...

A guy like Keaton Studsrud didn't commit until January of 2014. Already finished with his senior football season. There are certainly gems out there no matter what time of year it is, and this staff has shown it has what it takes to find them. It doesn't matter how many other offers a kid has. Just because a school like NDSU offered doesn't mean they will be world beaters.

I don't remember a "no" vote meaning you automatically want to buy a condo and live downtown. I voted no because I want to accept a company investing in our city, and feel that we have enough green space to develop some of it.

Build it.

JLG owns that corner lot, the City doesn't. That will be developed too at some point in the near future I believe.

Let's not forget that the Empire Arts Center board of directors unanimously voted to support development there. The Empire ARTS Center did.

That's rich considering it's generally not millenials who complain that they have to park a block or more away from where they want to go downtown.

I guess in that case my skin in the game is that I live in Grand Forks and want what I feel is best for my town.

It's too bad we don't have town square a block away, the river/walking paths/riverbanks another block away, and the Greenway a couple blocks the other way to do exactly what you just mentioned.

I don't normally post, but couldn't refrain, so here goes: I work downtown, however the business I work for is not retail nor does it rely on foot traffic downtown. Therefore, I really don't have any skin in the game as far as this benefitting me or not. I even recently had family pictures taken in Arbor Park, so I certainly appreciate what it brings to the table. Taking into account the above, I cannot fathom the city letting this opportunity pass by. This is a park that is RARELY used for really anything. Yes, as I said, lots of people use it for backdrops for pictures. But there are other places I could go, no problem. We have farmers market every Saturday morning in the summer, Arbor Park sits empty. We have big events such as artfest, Arbor Park sits empty. We have a park that is bigger than Central Park in New York City a couple blocks away. That park has shelters, a path, acres upon acres of green space to use for whatever you want. All the while, nothing happens in Arbor Park. My opinion on this matter would be totally different if I ever saw more than a couple people using Arbor Park for any purpose. To me, this feels very much like the women's hockey issue. They averaged only a couple hundred fans at each game, but then when they get cut, thousands of people were screaming that it was wrong. If those people actually supported the program, it would have been a different story. If everyone who wants to save Arbor Park actually used it ever, this would be an entirely different discussion. The effect on property tax savings to me is irrelevant. Dollar amount wise, it doesn't matter to the individual citizens. What does matter is that there are $20,000-$25,000 of maintenance costs that the city doesn't have to spend to maintain a rarely used park, and instead can be put to a different, hopefully better, use. If Arbor Park is developed, there will be thousands upon thousands in new property tax revenue to the city once the tax breaks are up. Again, this is money that can be used to further better our city. Some people view downtown as unimportant or just a place to avoid because it is just a place for younger people to go get drunk. While bars are inevitably a part of downtown, why can't we continue to keep bringing new things in that get people excited about the prospect of going downtown with their families and spending the afternoon walking around. Spend a weekday walking around our downtown. Then, go spend a weekday walking around Fargo's downtown. It is incredible how much better theirs is. They have all sorts of restaurants of different types. They have tons of shopping. The sidewalks are bustling with people of all ages, genders, and races. Downtown is a true destination in Fargo. I don't think the same can be said for Grand Forks in its current state. Think about all that have been added in the last few years. Boutique shops, a bakery, a pharmacy, a brewery, another brewery on the way. Those are great things. New business brings new foot traffic, which helps those new businesses thrive and stay around. I am glad there are a group of individuals in town that are strongly pushing a great downtown, and actually, a great city overall. They have had some wonderful ideas. For example, the City just won a grant to turn the bike path on the Greenway into a 2 mile long skating path during the winter. How cool is that?! You can take your family for a skate starting this winter. Innovative thinking gets younger people excited about wanting to live in Grand Forks. The future of Grand Forks is directly affected by the ability to attract and retain new residents. Maintaining status quo will not get people excited about moving to Grand Forks or staying in Grand Forks. The fact that the pro-park crowd refused to accept an invitation to a debate is pretty telling to me. That is your chance to spread your message on why the park should stay. If your argument is strong enough, it doesn't matter who moderates the debate. If your best argument is "there are tons of other places to develop", that is a pretty weak argument. I want to know why we shouldn't develop right here, where we have someone waiting to pump millions into the local economy. Yes they would be willing to develop elsewhere. But they want to develop right here, so if there isn't a good reason not to, then let's get on with it. All of the above are why I will be voting "No" on June 20.