Public Provides Input On Proposed Civic Center - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

A new event center could be built in north Bismarck, but some are wondering why not just add on to the existing facility.

The first of three public input meetings is held to hear the public's thoughts on a new Civic Center.

A new facility would cost about $150 million, adding on to the current facility would cost $27 million.

Some we spoke with say they're in favor of a new North Bismarck Civic Center, while others are concerned about the price tag.

"I think up north at the new Events Center would add more restaurants, commercial buildings, new hotels, it's going to be something we don't have in Bismarck and really put us ahead of Grand Forks and Fargo," Cory Knutson said.

"I think we all have to sit back and say what can we afford to do, we'd all like something new and flashing and that can bring a lot of new people in, but we have other programs and projects that the City Commission is faced with," Eileen Walsh said.

Pete Conlin owns a restaurant in downtown Bismarck and says businesses depend on the Civic Center.

He's concerned what will happen to downtown business and the current Civic Center if a new one is built up North.

"You have an instance where you could possibly move this up north but then if so what is the plan for here, because you can't just say well we're going to put it up here and not have a plan for downtown as well," Pete Conlin said.

Another Public Input meeting will be held on Monday at Horizon Middle School and Tuesday at Wachter Middle School from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.