Sex offender treatment center cancels Fargo relocation after opposition

STAND (Sex Offender Treatment and Assessment North Dakota) has abandoned plans to relocate to south Fargo following neighborhood resistance. On Wednesday, the nonprofit announced it will remain at its current location near Cass County Jail, where it has operated since 2014. The treatment center had purchased a former bank building at 2627 S. University Drive due to space constraints at its current facility, which it shares with North Dakota Parole and Probation. A neighborhood group called “South University Coalition” opposed the move due to the site’s proximity to elementary schools and a women’s shelter. The coalition had offered to buy the property and suggested alternative locations. STAND now plans to rent the University Drive building to another entity. The coalition says it will continue advocating for city regulations on placement of such facilities.