What the City Said About Data Centers on Oct. 6, and What Residents Asked
The Northfield City Council unanimously advanced an ordinance that would reduce the setback between data centers and parks, trails, or recreation areas from 3,950 feet to 200 feet. The council also directed staff to study tiered regulations and performance standards, while residents raised concerns about water, electricity, noise, enforcement and whether data centers should be prohibited or paused.
Northfield City Council voted unanimously on the first reading of Ordinance 1098, which would reduce the required setback between a data processing facility and a park, trail or recreation feature from 3,950 feet to 200 feet. A second reading is scheduled for Oct. 20. The council also asked staff to research tiered frameworks and performance standards for the city’s planned 2027 Land Development Code update.
Community Development Director Scott Wopata said the city has spoken with numerous developers, brokers and site selectors but has no formal data center application and has not signed a nondisclosure agreement or offered subsidies. He described potential concerns involving water use, utility costs, noise, pollution and major infrastructure expenses at the Northwest Area Business Park, while arguing that strict regulation is preferable to an outright ban.
Residents questioned the council’s decision not to act on the Planning Commission’s recommendation to prohibit data centers and called for stronger setbacks, a temporary pause or a ban. Northfield had enacted a data center moratorium in 2024, but the current council process is moving toward regulated development rather than prohibition.