Clinton City Council approves first reading of data center ordinance
The Clinton City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance governing data centers as QTS seeks to develop a roughly 1,100-acre site on the city’s west side. Local opponents say the ordinance should include stronger protections, including 1,500-foot setbacks, while the city attorney rejected their petition because it affects zoning laws.
The Clinton City Council held a public hearing on regulations for data centers amid QTS’s plans to build on approximately 1,100 acres on the city’s west side. Members of Clintonians Against Data Centers demonstrated before the meeting and called for stronger safeguards, including 1,500-foot setbacks and enhanced protections for livestock and other sensitive receptors.
Organizer Celeste Robbins said the group’s goal is to slow the process and criticized the rejection of a petition signed by about 1,500 people. The proposed petition would have prohibited hyperscale data centers within a mile of places where people live or work, but City Attorney Pat O’Connell said it was inadmissible because it would affect zoning laws. The council approved the ordinance’s first reading, with Councilmember Janet Turpin voting no; two additional readings are required before it takes effect. Former council member Ed O’Neill suggested considering an existing rail-yard area as a possible compromise location.