Push underway to slow North Loop data center development
The North Loop Neighborhood Association in Minneapolis is actively opposing a proposed data center by Legacy Investing at the old Star Tribune Printing facility. Residents and board members are concerned about the lack of information, project size, and power consumption, leading to a request to delay a conditional use permit meeting with the city's Planning Commission.
The North Loop Neighborhood Association in Minneapolis is intensifying its efforts to delay or halt plans for a data center proposed by Virginia-based developer Legacy Investing. The developer intends to acquire the 13-acre former Star Tribune Printing facility to construct a data center along with potential housing and retail.
During a recent neighborhood association meeting, residents and board members expressed significant skepticism and pushback due to a perceived lack of comprehensive information from Legacy Investing. Joe Voss, who chairs the group's planning and zoning committee, noted the insufficient details provided by the developer. The association unanimously voted to oppose the project in its current form and requested the Minneapolis Planning Commission to postpone an upcoming meeting regarding the developer's conditional use permit, also sending a strongly worded letter outlining their concerns.
Key concerns raised include the project's size and its proposed 20 megawatts of power consumption, although the developer stated the downtown electrical grid could support this and mentioned using air cooling technology similar to another urban data center it operates nearby. However, specific plans for housing or retail on the site remain unclear, fueling community apprehension. The neighborhood association plans to invite Legacy Investing for an in-person presentation by September 23rd, ahead of the city's Planning Commission meeting in October, hoping to gain more information before making a final recommendation on approval.