The Monticello Times reports..

What does transparency look like when a community is divided over a controversial development?

In Monticello, the question has become central to the debate over the proposed Edmonson Business Center, a roughly 547-acre hyperscale data center development proposed by Monticello Tech LLC south of 85th Street NE and east of Highway 25.

The proposal has raised questions about electricity demand, water use, noise from backup generators and the financial obligations associated with the development.

Some residents have accused city officials of withholding information or failing to adequately address their concerns, while others say the information is available but want more explanation of how and why decisions are being made.

The city has published studies, development applications and meeting materials on its website. Public meetings have been livestreamed and recorded, an open house was held on the area’s environmental review, and government records have been made available upon request.

Yet as the proposal approaches a pivotal City Council hearing Nov. 9, disagreement persists over whether making information available is the same as being transparent.