Hermantown, Minnesota Development News
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City of Hermantown - City Council Meeting, July 6, 2026
Published: Jul 6, 2026
Easement Approved for Hermantown Lightning Drive Improvements and Trail Project
The council approved Resolution 2026-78, authorizing the execution of an easement acceptance from Rachel M. Cobb for the Hermantown Lightning Drive Improvements and Trail Project. This easement is necessary for upgrades to Lightning Drive, Gel Drive, and associated sewer and trail projects, providing permanent and temporary rights for the work [cite: 1610-1639].
Residents Voice Strong Concerns Over Data Center Project's Environmental, Financial, and Governance Impacts
During public comment, residents expressed significant concerns regarding the proposed data center project. Key issues raised included the potential infrasound effects on humans and animals [cite: 67-73, 75-76], water contamination from closed-loop systems [cite: 349-355, 492-500], the adequacy of environmental review (AUR vs. EIS) [cite: 221-242, 681-682, 1160-1175], noise pollution [cite: 698-778], potential impact on property values [cite: 388-397, 1276], and the financial implications, including tax abatements and increased utility costs [cite: 195-202, 307-331, 360-378, 1337-1360, 1433-1435]. Many speakers felt the city council was not adequately addressing these concerns or pushing back against developers [cite: 243-250, 259-265, 630-633, 675-680, 926-930, 1905-1922]. Several requested a town hall meeting for more direct community engagement [cite: 1063-1068, 1071-1076, 1904]. Concerns were also voiced about the 'closed loop' cooling system's potential for water pollution, referencing incidents in Cheyenne, Wyoming [cite: 492-500]. The scale of the project was questioned, with some arguing it exceeds 'light industrial' definitions and warrants a full EIS [cite: 1176-1265]. Speakers also pointed out that Google, a trillion-dollar company, should not require tax abatements or community funding [cite: 381-386, 206-208]. The reliability of information provided by developers and the council's reliance on it were also criticized [cite: 634-648, 683-688, 814-828, 1153-1159]. Minnesota Power's role in potentially increasing utility costs and the management of its dual-fuel program were also debated [cite: 360-378, 1337-1360, 1385-1435].
City Approves Election Judge Appointments and Grant Application for Road Safety Program
The City Council approved Resolution A 2026-76, appointing election judges for the 2026 state primary and general elections, and Resolution 2026-77, authorizing the director of public safety to apply for a Toward Zero Death enforcement grant and directing the mayor and city clerk to execute the grant agreement. The Toward Zero Death program aims to improve road safety through education and enforcement, funded by state and federal sources [cite: 1532-1609].
Minnesota Power Transmission Line Project to Undergo Environmental Assessment
The City Council approved a reimbursement agreement with Minnesota Power for the construction of a 230 KV transmission line from its Arrowhead substation to a proposed data center in southwest Hermantown. Minnesota Power will deposit $20,000, potentially increasing to $50,000, for an Environmental Assessment (EA) to be conducted by Kimley Horn, with the city acting as the Local Government Unit (LGU) administering the EA [cite: 1939-2001].
Special Use Permit Approved for Greenhouse Sales on West Arrowhead Road
The City Council considered a special use permit for greenhouse and nursery sales and production in an S1 suburban zoning district at 5853 West Arrowhead Road. The applicant proposed constructing a 30 by 60 foot greenhouse for sales two days a week, approximately from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The property is a 10-acre parcel, and the plan includes adequate parking for three to five vehicles. The council approved the permit with conditions that, if exceeded, could lead to revocation [cite: 1640-1681].
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The Hermantown News archive
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