Opponents tout survey results on data center to Pine Island City Council
Opponents presented a survey to the Pine Island City Council indicating that 75% of local residents oppose the proposed Project Skyway data center. Despite this strong community sentiment, the city council had previously approved the project with unanimous votes. Opponents raised concerns about the democratic process, while the mayor highlighted the city's need for economic development.
David Derksen and Suzanne Blazek, residents of Pine Island, Minnesota, presented the results of a community survey to the Pine Island City Council on September 15, 2026. The survey, conducted online in August 2026, indicated that 75.8% of residents from the city and neighboring townships oppose the proposed hyperscale data center, known as Project Skyway. Derksen highlighted that this meeting marked one year of resident opposition efforts to educate the community on data centers and associated environmental reviews (AUARs).
Joe Blazek, Suzanne's husband, criticized the city for what he views as circumvention of the democratic process, noting that the council's unanimous 5-0 votes in favor of the data center contradict the overwhelming public sentiment revealed by the survey. While acknowledging that critics questioned the survey's validity due to its voluntary response bias, Blazek defended its representation of community opinion.
Mayor Brandi Veith Staloch acknowledged the impact of public comments, even from non-constituents who also spoke against data centers in general. She emphasized the city's need to pursue economic development opportunities, citing the recent closure of Lincoln Industries' local facility and the layoff of 55 employees. The City Council also separately approved a preliminary property tax levy and budget for 2027, with a final decision expected by December.