New data center proposal in Maquoketa sparks protest
Residents in Maquoketa, Iowa, are actively protesting a proposed new data center campus, demanding the city pause the project. The protest was part of a "National Data Center protest Day," with citizens calling for more transparency and public input before any further development.
A proposal for a new data center campus in Maquoketa, Iowa, has ignited significant local opposition, leading to a protest by residents on Main Street as part of a "National Data Center protest Day."
The proposed development entails a small to mid-size data center campus planned for 46 acres within the city's South Industrial Park. Protesters are urging the city to implement a pause on the project, advocating for increased transparency and greater public involvement in the decision-making process.
Residents voiced strong sentiments, emphasizing the need for the city to truly listen to its citizens. While not rejecting all data center development outright, they are specifically calling for a temporary halt, stating, "I'm not saying no data center ever. I'm saying no data center right now. We need to pause, -- big -- pause."