Our Story
Our community was unexpectedly drawn into a major development proposal with long‑term impacts on our neighborhoods and natural resources. While the golf course owners were preparing to retire, residents reasonably expected the land to remain residential under the long‑standing Orderly Annexation Agreement. Instead, we learned—only after the city began revising its comprehensive plan—that city officials, staff, and the developer had been working under non‑disclosure agreements to advance a hyperscale data center project.
As details emerged, neighbors organized quickly. We acknowledged the rights of private landowners and the growing need for data‑center infrastructure, but we also saw the pressure tactics and promises used to influence city leaders. In response, we formed the Coalition for Responsible Data Center Development to advocate for responsible planning and to protect our water, energy resources, wildlife, and environment.
When the City approved the rezoning and the “Farmington Technology Park,” we retained legal counsel and filed three complaints. Volunteers stepped into leadership roles, created outreach materials, conducted research, and kept the community informed. With support from neighbors, friends, and family, we established both 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(3) organizations and soon found ourselves advising other communities facing similar challenges. We added 2 more complaints to our lawsuit concerning the environment. SEE BELOW FOR LAWSUIT CLAIMS.
Through every step, we’ve stayed committed to our mission: ensuring that data center development is transparent, sustainable, and protective of the neighborhoods and natural resources we value. Our Coalition Team
The main legal claims outlined in this filing are:
Breach of Contract (Count I): The City of Farmington allegedly violated the Orderly Annexation Agreement (OAA) with Castle Rock Township by rezoning the Subject Property without the Township's consent and failing to engage in the required dispute resolution process.
Declaratory Judgment under Minn. Stat. Ch. 555 (Count II): Plaintiffs seek a declaration that the City of Farmington’s rezoning of the Subject Property is prohibited by the OAA and is arbitrary, capricious, unreasonable, and unlawful.
Judicial Review of Zoning Decision under Minn. Stat. § 462.361 (Count III): Plaintiffs argue that the City’s zoning determination was inappropriate for the proposed Data Center's scale and use, violated the OAA, and was arbitrary, capricious, unreasonable, and unlawful. They seek to reverse the zoning determination and declare the ordinance void.
Declaratory Judgment under the Minnesota Environmental Rights Act (MERA) (Count IV): Plaintiffs allege that the Data Center project will pollute, impair, or destroy natural resources protected under MERA and seek a declaration that the project violates MERA.
Injunctive Relief under MERA (Count V): Plaintiffs request temporary and permanent injunctive relief to prevent the Data Center project from proceeding until compliance with MERA is demonstrated.