Despite protest, Hermantown grants data center key permit

The Hermantown City Council unanimously approved a special-use permit Friday for Google’s proposed 1.7 million-square-foot data center on a 234-acre site near Midway and Morris Thomas roads. The project would include three data buildings, mechanical buildings, offices, utility infrastructure and stormwater basins, but still requires wetland and construction permits and could face additional environmental review.

The decision followed more than four hours of public comment and protests that had previously forced officials to reschedule the meeting. Opponents, including the Stop the Hermantown Data Center group, raised concerns about the project’s proximity to trout streams, potential health effects and the limited number of people allowed inside City Hall. Supporters, including representatives of Minnesota Power and the Duluth Building Trades Council, argued the project had been improved through discussions with the community.

Three lawsuits are pending in connection with the data center. The opposition group sought a temporary restraining order to prevent the city from issuing the permit, while Judge Theresa Neo had declined a similar request in a separate case. City Attorney Christopher Virta said the litigation and requests from tribal governments did not legally prevent the council from proceeding.