City of Horace seeks variance to purchase excess railroad land amid competing interests

In a pivotal meeting on February 26, 2025, the Fargo City Diversion Land Management Committee addressed the contentious issue of land sales along the railroad corridor, with a focus on a proposal from the City of Horace. The committee discussed the existing excess land policy, which prioritizes member entities for purchasing land, but noted that no member entities expressed interest. The previous landowner, the railroad, has waived its right to buy back the land, leading to a complex situation involving adjacent landowners and public interest.

The City of Horace has expressed a desire to purchase a portion of this corridor, prompting a request for a variance from the established policy. This variance is necessary due to the unique nature of the land, which differs from the farmland the policy was originally designed to address. The committee's staff recommended moving forward with the sale to Horace, emphasizing the importance of selling the land as a single parcel to avoid a fragmented ownership scenario that could complicate maintenance and access.

However, the discussion took a turn when committee member Jake Gus raised concerns about potential backlash from a landowner interested in purchasing a parcel. He suggested tabling the proposal to facilitate a meeting between the City of Horace and the concerned landowner to prevent criticism of the committee for not adhering to its own policy. Despite Gus's motion to delay the decision, it failed to gain a second, leaving the committee at a crossroads.

The committee's deliberations highlight the challenges of balancing policy adherence with community interests, as they navigate the complexities of land management in the Fargo area. The next steps remain uncertain as the committee grapples with competing interests and the implications of their decisions on local stakeholders.