The Minnesota Star Tribune reports…

Despite fierce opposition, last-minute legal action and unsettled lawsuits, Google’s massive proposed data center in northeast Minnesota obtained critical approvals Friday night.

Friday’s meeting was the Hermantown City Council’s third attempt to approve a slate of Google-related measures this week. It followed a flurry of attempts to stop the vote, including a chaotic Monday night protest and the filing of an emergency motion in district court.

After four hours of comments from people largely opposed, the council asked several questions of project representatives before approving a revised development agreement. It also approved an agreement for Google to decommission its data center if it is no longer using it, and a special use permit for the site.

City Council member Brian LeBlanc said the No. 1 issue he’s heard in his four years on the council is bringing tax relief.

“I think this is the best opportunity that we’ve had before us to do that,” he said.

Google has other hurdles to clear before development can begin. Several lawsuits, a wetland permit and state approval of the tech giant’s electric service agreement are still undecided. One lawsuit involves ownership of 80 acres of land situated near the center of the proposed site.