Data center supporters and opponents wonder what is next
A City Council postponed a final permit decision for a data center project following a contentious meeting that included four arrests. Opponents plan to fundraise and gather experts to continue their fight during the six-month delay, while the developer is considering legal action if the project is ultimately denied.
Opposing sides in a data center debate are strategizing their next moves after a City Council postponed a final vote on a permit decision. The contentious meeting saw four arrests, including 26-year-old Kayla Mueller, who is accused of pulling an officer and biting his hand, and 26-year-old Cristiana Miller, who faces a charge for obstructing police. The Council ultimately voted 7-2 to delay the permit decision for a project located along Guarding the Gods Road, citing a need for more information.
Neighbors who have appealed the project intend to utilize the six-month delay to raise funds and find experts to bolster their opposition against the development. They aim to help the community understand the potential impact of the project.
Conversely, the developer maintains that all city regulations have been followed and has indicated a readiness to pursue legal action should the project ultimately be denied. The developer is also evaluating whether to proceed with a partnership, noting that the delay pushes the final decision closer to election season.