Council approves rezoning, plat for Northwind wind‑tunnel complex on 60.7 acres

The Rosemount City Council on Feb. 18 approved two motions to allow Northwind Test LLC to move forward with early development of a wind‑tunnel testing complex on a 60.7‑acre site immediately south of the META data center.

Councilmember Esler moved to adopt an ordinance rezoning the parcel from A‑2 (agricultural) to B‑2 (employment); the motion was seconded by Councilmember Tyson and passed on a 5‑0 roll call. The council then approved a resolution adopting the preliminary and final plat for the “Northwind Addition,” a motion moved by Esler, seconded by Klimpel and also passing 5‑0.

Senior Planner Nemechek told the council the two items before it were limited to rezoning and platting; additional entitlements — including any planned unit development (PUD), site plan reviews and building permits — would be required before construction. The plat creates two buildable lots: a larger main parcel where the testing facility is proposed and a smaller parcel in the northeast corner reserved for an electrical substation; the plat also dedicates right‑of‑way for a new 150 First Street and includes a temporary easement to allow a cul‑de‑sac until adjacent development occurs.

David Meyer, chief…