Aurora neighbors call for removal of police chief, end to data centers in city
Aurora City Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance restricting new data centers in mixed-use office and institutional zones near homes, schools and assisted-living facilities. Residents also demanded a moratorium and opposed the proposed Trident data center, which would not be affected by the ordinance because it is in a different zoning area.
Aurora City Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance that would prohibit new data centers in areas zoned mixed-use office/institutional, where facilities could be near homes, schools and assisted-living centers. The measure would limit where future data centers can be built but would not constitute a citywide ban. A final vote is scheduled for Oct. 26, after which the ordinance would likely take effect in 30 days.
Residents, particularly from Green Valley Ranch, called for a broader moratorium and opposed the proposed Trident data center. Because the project is located in an area with different zoning, it would not be affected by the proposed ordinance. The council meeting also featured a sit-in by activists demanding the removal of Police Chief Todd Chamberlain, while city officials said they were working to arrange a meeting with demonstrators.