Orchard Hills data center approved on final vote despite persistent resident opposition
The Cheyenne City Council approved the Orchard Hills data center development on final votes covering annexation, zoning changes and a future land-use map amendment. Residents remained divided, with opponents citing industrial impacts and insufficient notice while supporters favored the project over higher-density housing.
The Cheyenne City Council approved all four Orchard Hills development measures on third reading, including annexation, agricultural zoning followed by rezoning to light industrial, and a change to the future land-use map. The project, located near the Orchard Valley residential area and adjacent to Meta's existing data center campus, will proceed through the city's development process.
Residents raised concerns about industrial impacts, the project's fit with the area's rural character and public notice. Developer Trammell Crow Company proposed a community benefits agreement, including improvements to roads and the Orchard Valley water system, a greenway extension and a vegetated berm. Supporters argued the data center would generate substantially less traffic than a potential 600-unit residential development. A motion by Councilman Mark Moody to delay the vote while additional data center regulations were developed failed 8-1.