City hears apology and reviews 1.66 million-square-foot data center plan

Hermantown Police Chief Jim Crace publicly apologized for comments made in leaked recordings where he and other city officials were heard disparaging opponents of a proposed Google data center. The recordings, first reported by the Duluth Monitor, showed Crace calling one opponent an “idiot” and using an offensive pun with their name, and referring to another as a “gong show.” Mayor Wayne Boucher also offered an apology, stating that the comments were not an acceptable way to conduct city business and that an outside entity is investigating the incident.

Jackie Dolentz, representing "Stop the Hermantown Data Center," addressed the city council, asserting that the timing and tone of the recordings, spanning ten months, suggest a culture of "abhorrent behavior" among officials. The group is demanding disciplinary action against those involved, including Chief Crace and the city administrator. Dolentz emphasized that decisions on projects of this magnitude, which carry significant implications for Hermantown and Duluth, require a public process that can be trusted.

Separately, Google representative Tyler Huebner presented the latest design proposal for the 1.66 million-square-foot hyperscale data center, indicating that resident feedback had been considered. The city's next steps involve deciding whether to accept Google's Area Use Study, followed by a formal permitting process. Construction projects on surrounding roads like Arrowhead Road, Highway 2, St. Louis Road, Morris Thomas Road, and Midway Road will also need to be completed.