FARGO (KFGO-AM) -- It's the biggest affordable housing issue in Fargo and it doesn't look like there's any solution in sight.
Housing and Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Lynn Fundingsland says an attempt to get a $20 million appropriation failed this session to repair or replace the nearly 50 year old building it owns and operates.
Fundingsland says the plumbing is shot and the steam heating system broke down a week ago, leaving nearly 250 residents without heat for a day. Because major repairs would require moving tenants elsewhere, the Housing Authority has had a plan to sell the property to a developer and build 3 or 4 smaller, low income apartments elsewhere in Fargo.
Fundingsland says he's worried the 22-story building will be condemned as it continues to deteriorate. It's the second tallest building in Fargo, second only to the Radisson Hotel and is the city's largest public housing complex.