Community members raise concern over data center discussion

The Otoe County Planning Commission recently voted to recommend a moratorium on allowing data centers to be built in the county. This decision came after a public meeting at the Syracuse Public Library, where community members gathered to voice their concerns about a potential data center project proposed by Tenaska. Although Tenaska stated there are no official plans to bring a data center to the area at this time, residents like Mark Wurtele, who has lived in Otoe County for four decades, emphasized that such a facility wouldn't fit the community and cited potential hazardous environmental and health impacts that need to be considered. The large public response favored a pause to learn more about the topic. However, Lisa Walker, representing the Nebraska City Area Economic Development, argued against a moratorium, stating it could close the door on future opportunities for the county. The Planning Commission's recommendation for a moratorium now goes to the Otoe County Board of Commissioners, who will make the final decision in an upcoming meeting.