Community members packed a joint local government meeting Wednesday as city leaders, planning and zoning officials, and the economic development commission gathered to discuss proposed restrictions for a potential data center.
While no official development has been confirmed for the area, the city is drafting an ordinance to establish strict parameters should a developer move forward.
Some of the proposed restrictions currently on the table include capping any potential facility’s power usage at 55 megawatts. To put that in perspective, a single megawatt can power between 400 and 1,000 homes, meaning a 55-megawatt cap represents enough energy to power up to 55,000 homes.
Additionally, the ordinance would require facilities to be built at least 500 feet away from any residential area and utilize a specific closed-loop water cooling system to protect local utilities.
To address community worries, city leaders are also looking into requiring a noise report as part of a data center’s annual operational report. This yearly audit would also track the facility’s water and electricity consumption.
In the end…
No official action was taken during tonight’s meeting. The city council has opened a two-week window for residents to submit written comments and feedback. The next public meeting on the draft ordinance is scheduled for August 26.