Residents Rally Against Massive Data Center Proposal

Residents of Farmington expressed strong opposition during a recent government meeting regarding the proposed construction of a large data center in their community. Concerns were raised about the project's scale, with one resident highlighting that the facility would be the largest electric user in Minnesota and the seventh largest data center campus globally, situated alarmingly close to residential areas.

Critics argued that the data center, which would require 760 megawatts of power, is incompatible with the existing mixed-use zoning of the area. They emphasized that the project represents a significant shift from the smaller data centers of a decade ago, which were not subject to the same level of scrutiny or regulation. Residents voiced their frustration over the lack of state intervention, suggesting that current regulations are outdated and do not reflect the growing impact of such facilities on local communities.

Several speakers described the data center as a \"machine that never stops,\" raising alarms about noise, constant power demands, and potential disruptions to the quality of life for nearby residents. One resident, a licensed structural engineer, shared his professional perspective, stating he would never want such a facility in his town due to its operational characteristics resembling those of a power plant.

Community members called for a reevaluation of the project, urging local officials to consider the long-term implications for families living in proximity to the proposed site. They expressed a desire for more stringent regulations and a greater emphasis on community needs over corporate interests, particularly criticizing the perceived prioritization of profit by the developers.

As the meeting concluded, residents reiterated their commitment to protecting their community's character and quality of life, urging officials to table the proposal and engage in a more thorough examination of its potential impacts.