FARGO (KFGO) - Fargo City Commissioner Dave Piepkorn, concerned a housing project for former inmates didn't get city approval, demanded the project stop until it meets code requirements for group homes.
A non-profit, called the F-5 Project, acquired homes in north Fargo that have been turned into "sober houses" for recently released prisoners who can't find housing because of their criminal records. Piepkorn says it's clear the homes violate city code because more than three non-family members live in the houses. He said these are "serious criminals who have been in prison and it disturbs him."
The violation was discovered after city leaders got a complaint from a neighbor earlier this month. The group's founder, Adam Martin, says his organization is now working with the city to get the application to correct the violation.
At Monday night's meeting, commissioner's took no action on Piepkorn's recommendation, pending the outcome of F-5's efforts.