Former Harmony Township leader disputes claims over proposed data center
Former Harmony Township Board Chairman Tom Roden is disputing allegations that he manipulated zoning rules to support Geronimo Power's proposed 540-megawatt data center. His attorney says Roden disclosed his land negotiations before resigning, while the township board is preparing to consider six proposed 24-month moratoria that would halt data center and other energy-related development.
Former Harmony Township Board Chairman Tom Roden is challenging claims that he improperly influenced zoning decisions to advance Geronimo Power's proposed Harmony Energy Park. In a legal submission to the township, attorney Joel Fremstad said Roden disclosed a conditional land-purchase agreement with Geronimo to township officials in May and resigned in August, before the developer submitted its conditional-use permit application for the proposed 540-megawatt data center.
Fremstad also urged the township board to reject six proposed 24-month moratoria covering data centers, solar and battery facilities, wind projects, natural-gas generation and electric transmission lines. The board is scheduled to consider replacement legal counsel before voting on the proposed moratoria, and township Chairman Dustin Burchill confirmed that draft resolutions were distributed before the board formally retained new counsel.