Protesters shut down Hermantown data center meeting
Protesters opposing Google’s proposed Hermantown data center disrupted a City Council meeting, preventing officials from voting on agreements related to project infrastructure. Police declared the gathering unlawful and the meeting was adjourned and rescheduled, while supporters cited the project’s potential jobs and economic benefits.
Hundreds of opponents and supporters gathered outside and inside the Hermantown City Council meeting over Google’s proposed data center. Members of Stop the Hermantown Data Center said the public had not been given enough time to review project documents, while supporters, including Apex Duluth President and CEO Rachel Johnson and Hermantown Chamber of Commerce President Kim Parmeter, promoted the project’s expected economic benefits and job creation.
Chanting and crowding in the council building prevented the scheduled vote on agreements involving the developer and St. Louis County for supporting infrastructure. Police declared the gathering an unlawful assembly, although no arrests were reported. The council adjourned after briefly convening and rescheduled the meeting for the following evening; the opposition group also referenced a contempt motion filed against the city.