As you are likely aware, the data center project in Farmington has drawn plenty of attention over the last several months. On one hand, you have a plan that would construct 12 data center buildings near the old Fountain Valley Golf Course site, which could bring tax incentives to the community. On the other hand, you have a massive project placed in between two residential areas that will destroy the look and feel of the neighborhood and have potential negative impacts on property values.
But it goes much deeper than that for many who live near the proposed project.
The data center plan is 2.5 million square feet with 12 buildings being placed in what the city called a mixed-use industrial zone. It would only allow 250-foot setbacks from nearby homes, and some buildings could be 80 feet high after the city council allowed an adjustment upward from 40 feet.
Can you imagine buying your home years ago seeing a golf course out your back window, and now you’ll find an 80-foot-tall building less than a football field away from your property?
Neither can many local residents, who I have been in contact with over the past several months. I made a pledge to them that we would hear their voice and try and find a solution.
On January 16, Senator Bill Lieske and I met with Farmington residents to discuss their concerns regarding data center zoning and present to them a bill to resolve those issues.
I have no issues with data centers at all, in fact, I welcome proposals from businesses to consider Farmington home. But these facilities should be located in areas that are better designated to handle large scale buildings.
Senator Lieske and I are sponsoring legislation this session that will help the City of Farmington zone more properly and prevent similar situations in the future. It’s important for us to let residents know that we are behind them. Stakeholders should always have a say in this process, and the residents are our stakeholders. We have to find workable solutions for the city and economic growth, while protecting the nearby residents who would be impacted. This legislation would be a good first step towards that goal.
House File 245 was introduced on the House floor on January 23. The legislation has a long way to go, and there are no guarantees that it will pass. But I want to do everything I can to ensure the voices of District 58B are heard, bring transparency to the project, and prevent something like this from happening in the future.
ENDING RAMPANT FRAUD IN STATE GOVERNMENT
This week, Minnesota House Republicans unveiled a series of bills that will help ensure your tax dollars aren’t being stolen. Throughout Governor Walz’s tenure, Minnesota’s taxpayers have lost more than $1 billion – that we know about - to crooks who successfully scammed the system.
The first plan would establish a centralized Office of the Inspector General. It would be charged with the task of combatting fraud and abuse in state government. The bill requires agencies to halt payments when fraud is suspected and mandates the creation of a fraud reporting hotline.
Another proposal would mandate fraud reporting for state agencies and equip them with additional tools to identify and prevent fraudulent activities including mandatory site visits. This bill also emphasizes transparency and swift action to address fraud concerns.
A third bill establishes “fraud notes,” which would provide lawmakers with an evaluation of potential fraud risks before enacting new programs or policies. It would also add additional accountability to agencies to ensure they are following through with recommendations made by the nonpartisan Legislative Auditor to address matters of waste, fraud, and abuse in their agencies.
DEMOCRAT NONSENSE AT THE CAPITOL
As you are likely aware, House Democrats still haven’t shown up for work. They are upset they were caught cheating after one of their Democrat candidates ran for office in a district in which he didn’t live, forcing him to resign. This has created a 67-66 House Republican majority, but Democrats can’t accept that the House is not operating with a co-majority, so they’re staying home.
Even though they can’t be bothered to come to St. Paul, House Democrats are encouraging their activist friends to show up and create chaos.
Individuals who support trans rights decided to shut down a public safety committee hearing on Tuesday. Check out the video by clicking here. Be warned, the video is vulgar and inappropriate.
The people of Minnesota elected Democrats to do their jobs, not to send foul-mouthed hooligans to disrupt the work of lawmakers who actually are taking their jobs seriously and trying to solve problems.
Have a good weekend,
Drew