Harmony Township searches for legal counsel amid data center zoning inquiry
Harmony Township officials voted to seek a formal legal review of zoning changes connected to a proposed 540-megawatt data center west of Fargo. The review will examine whether a former township chairman’s undisclosed land agreement with developer Geronimo Power created a conflict of interest that could invalidate the zoning votes.
Harmony Township officials are seeking new legal counsel and a formal review of zoning changes tied to Geronimo Power’s proposed 540-megawatt data center west of Fargo. The township board voted unanimously on Sept. 22 to investigate whether former Chairman Tom Roden’s undisclosed purchase-option agreement with Geronimo invalidated zoning amendments he voted on in July.
The amendments increased allowable noise levels and permitted battery energy storage systems in agricultural districts. The township is advertising for legal representation before its Oct. 20 meeting, while the North Dakota Public Service Commission is preparing an Oct. 23 hearing in Casselton on Geronimo’s related $249 million battery storage project.