Apple Valley council adopts comp-plan amendment amid resident opposition to potential data center

The Apple Valley City Council on Jan. 8 adopted a resolution to amend the city’s 2040 comprehensive-plan land-use map for two parcels in the Fraser Addition, changing 2.19 acres and 1.21 acres from residential designations to commercial and authorizing staff to submit the amendment to the Metropolitan Council for review.

The change was presented by city staff (Sydney), who described the amendment as a “housekeeping” item to align land-use guidance with existing limited business zoning and a pending purchase agreement for a city-owned parcel. Sydney said traffic and utility reviews found no engineering concerns and that any specific development proposals would face separate review. “Staff is recommending that the council adopt a resolution to approve the amendment for both properties,” Sydney said during the presentation.

The item drew multiple hours of public comment. Residents repeatedly urged the council to pause or oppose rezoning that…