Sartell Would Consider a Data Center if Proposed
The Sartell City Council has decided that any future data center proposals would require a conditional use permit, necessitating public engagement and council review. Mayor Ryan Fitzthum clarified that there is no moratorium on data centers, and the city would consider a proposal if one were submitted. Potential sites include commercial/industrial areas, with the mill district also being a possibility.
Sartell Mayor Ryan Fitzthum announced that the City of Sartell does not have a moratorium on data centers, though no proposals have yet been received. He indicated that the city council is proactively preparing for potential data center developments by requiring a conditional use permit for any such project.
This permit process would involve review by city staff and the city council, as well as public engagement, to ensure the proposed data center aligns with community needs. While a specific location has not been identified, commercial/industrial areas, including a portion of the 25-26 acre mill district, are being considered as potential sites for future data centers.
The mayor also briefly acknowledged the significant electricity and water demands of data centers, an issue communities nationwide are addressing. The article also provided a brief update on the completion of a walking path in the mill district, expected to open in spring 2027.