Protesters shut down meeting over Google data center
Protesters disrupted a Hermantown City Council meeting that was scheduled to consider Google's proposed data center permit and development agreements. Police Chief Jim Crace declared the gathering an unlawful assembly, but no arrests were made; the meeting was adjourned and rescheduled.
A large crowd protested outside and inside Hermantown City Hall ahead of a City Council vote on Google's proposed data center. Protesters said the city had ended public-comment sign-ups while residents were still waiting to speak, and opponents argued that previous council meetings had not adequately addressed community concerns. Supporters and opponents of the project were both present, but the chambers and overflow room became too full for the meeting to proceed normally.
After more than two hours of chanting and disruptions, Hermantown Police Chief Jim Crace declared the gathering an unlawful assembly and ordered people to leave within 10 minutes. Everyone departed peacefully and no arrests were reported. Council members briefly entered the chambers before calling the meeting to order and immediately adjourning it, leaving the proposed data center permit and related development and decommissioning agreements with Google unresolved. A local survey cited in the report found substantial opposition to the project, including 74% opposition among Twin Ports residents and 76% opposition among people living within five miles of the proposed site.