55 opposed, 5 in favor: Hermantown council unanimously approves Google's Data Center
Hermantown City Council unanimously approved Google’s proposed data center after a four-hour public comment session in which 55 speakers opposed the project and five supported it. Opponents raised concerns about the approval process, water pollution, energy use, noise and quality-of-life impacts, while supporters cited jobs, tax revenue and regional economic benefits.
The Hermantown City Council unanimously approved six agenda items advancing Google’s proposed data center at a special meeting on Oct. 30. The meeting was rescheduled after residents and members of Stop the Hermantown Data Center disrupted an earlier session, and the city limited chamber access to the first 85 people who arrived.
During four hours of public comment, 55 speakers opposed the project and five supported it. Stop the Hermantown Data Center, represented by Vice President Sarah Lofald, criticized the council’s process and called for further permitting to be denied, while residents cited concerns about water pollution, energy consumption, sound emissions and impacts on nearby neighborhoods. Supporters, including resident Eric Palmer and the Hermantown Area Chamber of Commerce, pointed to jobs, tax revenue and long-term economic benefits. The Duluth Building Trades Council also endorsed the council’s decision.