Future of former Star Tribune printing facility
A data center developer has cancelled plans to purchase the former Star Tribune printing facility in Minneapolis after significant community pushback. The city is actively shaping new zoning ordinances for future data centers before an existing moratorium expires in November, with neighborhood groups advocating for community concerns.
A Virginia-based developer has abandoned plans to acquire the former Star Tribune printing facility in Minneapolis's North Loop for a data center project. This decision followed significant opposition from neighborhood associations, including a recent meeting that saw "unprecedented pushback."
Local residents, represented by groups like the Marshall Terrace neighborhood organization and a similar group in Northeast led by board member Amy Pond, have been actively discussing their concerns. They are focused on issues such as energy costs and access to clean drinking water, helping to draft resolutions to inform the city council of their stance on data centers. While these groups lack legislative power, their opinions are noted to carry weight with city representatives.
The Minneapolis Planning Commission is scheduled to meet next month, with public comment sessions planned. The city is currently developing new zoning ordinances for potential future data center developments, anticipating the expiration of a moratorium enacted in May, which is set to lift in November.