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Google news does little to ease concerns of Pine Island data center opponents

On Tuesday, Feb. 24, Google was named as the tenant at Pine Island's Project Skyway, and the announcement said it would use advanced air-cooling, prompting community concerns.
City officials negotiated the deal under NDAs and approved a Feb. 4 abatement up to $36 million over 28 years with Minneapolis-based Ryan Companies US Inc., Pine Island City Administrator Elizabeth Howard said.
Supporters including former Pine Island mayor served 2009–2020 argue the project brings growth, with officials projecting roughly $131 million in new property taxes, $36 million to Pine Island Public Schools, and a $3 million city fund.
The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy sued to require an environmental-impact statement, and Abigail Hencheck highlighted a lack of public details in Google's renewable-power claims.
Community concerns focus on environmental and quality-of-life effects, with residents raising issues about diesel backups and low-frequency noise, and critic saying `So much was done underhanded`.

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Google news does little to ease concerns of Pine Island data center opponents

PINE ISLAND, Minn. — Color him skeptical, still. Rev. David Derksen said nothing about the Tuesday, Feb. 24 announcement that Google is the company behind the Pine Island data center project has eased his concerns. "It will forever change the city from an agricultural small town to an industrial one," said Derksen, a Pine Island resident who has said he moved to the city north of Rochester for its small town charm. "The mayor and council are not…

3 days ago·Cherokee County, United States

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