Socorro City Council Hears Public Comments on Data Center Moratorium
At a recent City of Socorro meeting, council members heard public comments urging them to enact a moratorium on data centers and large solar projects. Residents cited concerns and referred to a similar moratorium already passed by the county. The city manager stated they are reviewing sample ordinances from other cities and any adoption would require a public hearing process.
The Socorro City Council convened for a meeting where public comments focused significantly on a proposed moratorium concerning data centers and large solar projects. Residents, including Mary Ruff, Vanetta Perry, and Cari Powell, specifically urged the council to consider such a moratorium, referencing a similar measure already passed at the county level.
Vanetta Perry emphasized the connection between data centers and associated infrastructure, also speaking in opposition to proposed automated traffic compliance cameras, which she linked to privacy concerns. City Manager Donald Monette informed the public that the city is currently reviewing sample ordinances from other cities regarding moratoriums. Mayor Ravi Bhasker assured attendees that any potential adoption of a moratorium would involve a transparent public process, including an ordinance process with public hearings and six weeks of advertising, ensuring no decisions are made behind closed doors.
Other discussions at the meeting included a recognition of Assistant Police Chief Kenneth Greenwood for 27 years of service, a proposal for an Elfego Baca Day, an update on the acquisition and rehabilitation of the Smith's building, and the approval of a Broadband Workforce Training program aimed at training technicians for broadband infrastructure statewide in New Mexico.