Will Gardner resigns from Mandan Planning and Zoning Commission prior to Monday’s meeting
A member of the Mandan Planning and Zoning Commission, Will Gardner, resigned prior to a meeting where an ordinance regulating data center development was amended. Stark Power's proposal to build a data center near schools in Mandan has sparked public concern. The Mandan City Commission will now vote on the draft ordinance.
Will Gardner, a member of the Mandan Planning and Zoning Commission, announced his resignation shortly before a critical meeting where the commission amended an ordinance. This ordinance aims to establish regulations for how developers can construct and operate data centers within the city of Mandan, North Dakota. The proposed draft will now proceed to the city commission for a final vote.
The urgency for such regulations stems from a proposal by Stark Power to build its initial data center approximately five miles north of downtown Mandan. This specific project has drawn significant public scrutiny and concern, particularly due to its intended proximity to local schools.
Public discussions have also highlighted potential conflict of interest issues involving Gardner's role on the commission and his affiliation with Century 21 Morrison Realty. Gardner, however, stated his resignation was due to the personal stress the volunteer position had placed on his family life over the past four years.