HERMANTOWN — An environmental review document for a large Hermantown development is out for public comment through Tuesday, Sept. 30.
The city is undergoing an alternative urban areawide review, or AUAR, for 403 acres, bounded to the north by Morris Thomas Road, to the east by Midway Road and to the west by Solway Road, with the southern boundary following Saint Louis River Road.
The project associated with the review made headlines earlier this year, as the city won't disclose exactly what it is. The AUAR only describes "light industrial development."
But the Minnesota Star Tribune reported in May that some signs point to a data center, drawing extensive comment on the review from the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy.
The publication confirmed the speculation Tuesday, Sept. 23, with a letter obtained through a public records request.
Comment on the AUAR should be directed to Hermantown Community Development Director Eric Johnson, according to the public notice.
-
The school district must now advertise the planned closure for two weeks before hosting a public hearing on the decision, which would go into effect this spring. -
Authorities reported alcohol is believed to have been a factor. The building was determined to be unstable and unsafe in the immediate area of the crash. -
The Staples Fire Department responded to a report of smoke coming out of the building on the 400 block of Second Avenue Northeast, just before 8 a.m. Feb. 28, 2026.
