Nobles County Planning Commission votes to keep data center out of ag preservation area

After more than two hours of public discussion and testimony, the Nobles County Planning and Zoning Commission voted to maintain the county's existing zoning ordinance, which preserves agricultural land. This decision blocks Geronimo Power's proposal to construct a data center as a conditional use in ag preservation areas, specifically in Elk Township. The meeting saw 19 individuals, including representatives from Geronimo Power and Nobles Cooperative Electric, speak in favor of the project, citing economic benefits such as job creation and increased property tax revenue. David Reamer, Geronimo's chief development officer, highlighted the site's access to power supply and fiber optic infrastructure as reasons for its selection. Conversely, 18 individuals spoke against the project, with additional written comments submitted. Opponents raised concerns about potential negative health issues, air pollution, noise, and environmental impacts on wildlife, as articulated by The Daily Apple owner Amanda Walljasper-Tate. Shelly Onken, Bloom Township treasurer, emphasized the community's value for fertile land and a quiet way of life over financial gains. Nobles County Commissioner Robert Demuth Jr. expressed that he was not informed enough to support the text amendment, advocating for exploring other options first. The commission's vote to recommend no change to the land use ordinance was met with widespread applause, though the Nobles County Board of Commissioners will make the final determination.