Residents Meet About Proposed Data Center Development In Hermantown

SOLWAY TOWNSHIP, Minn. — Residents of Hermantown and the surrounding area attended a meeting Sunday evening at Solway Town Hall regarding a proposed plan to build a data center in Hermantown.

The large project is being proposed as a 1.8 million-square-foot facility that could be situated near Midway Road and Morris Thomas Road on 403 acres. Sunday’s meeting provided an opportunity for people to learn more and discuss concerns, including possible environmental impacts, noise, and what some call limited information.

“Most of us, I don’t think, are worried about the data center itself, but just how it was done and then just kind of the secrecy of it, I think, is kind of turning the people away,” said Saul Helgeson, resident of Hermantown.

The City of Hermantown says there is a page on the city’s website dedicated to help answers frequently asked questions to help get more information out to the public.

“I totally understand why there would be fear or trepidation around not knowing who the ultimate party is, who’s responsible for the development,” said Chad Ronchetti, economic development director for the City of Hermantown. “It’s not uncommon.”

Another public meeting is happening Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the Duluth Courthouse at 9:30 a.m.