Protesters disrupt Hermantown council meeting over proposed Google data center
Residents protesting Google's proposed data center disrupted a Hermantown City Council meeting, preventing the council from voting on the project. The council adjourned and rescheduled the meeting, while supporters said the center would bring economic development and tax revenue to the region.
A large group of Hermantown residents opposed to Google's proposed data center protested outside and inside City Hall, chanting for the project to be stopped. Members of Stop the Hermantown Data Center said they were concerned about the city's handling of zoning changes, public transparency and three lawsuits involving agenda items connected to the project.
The meeting could not proceed as planned after the disruption. City Communications Director Joe Wicklund announced that the council would continue the meeting on Oct. 27, while Hermantown Police Chief Jim Crace ordered attendees to leave or face possible detention or arrest for disrupting the civil process. Supporters, including Apex President and CEO Rachel Johnson, said the data center could provide economic growth, tax revenue and broader regional benefits.