What the Planning Commission's data center votes mean
Monticello's Planning Commission voted 4-1 to recommend approval of three land-use applications for the proposed Edmonson Business Center data center campus. The project could include up to 3 million square feet of buildings, require more than 500 megawatts of electricity and involve about $70 million in public infrastructure improvements, but final approval remains with the City Council.
The Monticello Planning Commission recommended approval of a preliminary plat, rezoning and conditional use permit for Monticello Tech LLC's proposed Edmonson Business Center data center campus in Monticello. The approximately 547-acre project could include two to three million square feet of buildings, an electrical substation, cooling systems and backup generators. Commissioner Rick Kothenbeutel cast the lone dissenting vote, while the commission also recommended that the city explore a voluntary buyout option for nearby homeowners.
The proposal includes limits on water and wastewater use, noise monitoring, landscaping and berm requirements, environmental protections, and infrastructure upgrades estimated at roughly $70 million. The campus could require more than 500 megawatts of electricity, prompting additional Xcel Energy studies and likely transmission-line construction subject to Minnesota Public Utilities Commission review. The Planning Commission's votes were recommendations rather than final approvals; the Monticello City Council must decide on the applications, annexation and related conditions by an extended Dec. 8 deadline.