Neighbor of possible 2nd Cass County data center was not informed of pending land sale
A Durbin Township homeowner in Cass County, North Dakota, was not directly informed of a pending land sale to Geronimo Power for a potential data center, learning about it through local news. He expressed concerns about the project's impact and the lack of communication from the energy company. The Durbin Township Board confirmed they have not had communications with Geronimo Power regarding the land agreement.
Jamison Bernstein, a homeowner in Durbin Township, Cass County, North Dakota, voiced his frustration after discovering through a local newspaper about a pending land sale to Geronimo Power for a potential data center development. His property directly borders the 624.55-acre parcel that Ideal Ag Corporation intends to sell. Bernstein emphasized his desire for direct communication from Geronimo Power, highlighting concerns about the project's visual impact and the company's prior attempt to build a data center in Nobles County, Minnesota, where a conditional use permit was denied.
The Durbin Township Board of Supervisors, through clerk/treasurer Darin Gross, confirmed they have not engaged in any direct communication with Geronimo Power regarding the land agreement. Casselton Mayor Mike Faught, whose city is approximately seven miles from the proposed site, also stated he learned of the potential sale from news reports. While maintaining neutrality, Faught acknowledged the diverse sentiments among residents regarding data center developments and urged community participation in upcoming informational meetings.
Community forums are being organized to allow public input and provide answers concerning data center development in North Dakota. Geronimo Power has not yet responded to inquiries regarding their communication strategies with landowners or the status of the purchase agreement, and they have not filed a permit application for a data center in Cass County.