HERMANTOWN, MN (Northern News Now) – The Hermantown City Council voted 4-0 to rezone land for a proposed 1.8 million-square-foot data center — a project that’s drawn both excitement and fierce opposition.
The facility would be built near Morris Thomas Road and Midway Road by a Fortune 50 company that has not yet been publicly identified.
City officials say the project could create hundreds of jobs and generate millions in tax revenue for the region.
But not everyone is on board. A crowd of more than 200 people filled City Hall to capacity Monday night, with many more gathered outside. More than 70 people had signed up to speak most raising concerns about noise, environmental impacts, and the loss of Hermantown’s rural character.
Supporters of the project argued it could help offset recent economic downturns on the Iron Range and greater St. Louis County.
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