HERMANTOWN, Minn. (Northern News Now) - The Hermantown City Council is expected to vote Monday night on whether to rezone land for a proposed 1.8 million-square-foot data center — a project that’s drawn both excitement and fierce opposition.

The facility would be built near Morris Thomas Road and Midway Road by a Fortune 50 company that has not yet been publicly identified.

City officials say the project could create hundreds of jobs and generate millions in tax revenue for the region.

But not everyone is on board. A crowd of more than 200 people filled City Hall to capacity Monday night, with many more gathered outside.

Most who spoke during public comment opposed the proposal, raising concerns about noise, environmental impacts, and the loss of Hermantown’s rural character.

“We came

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