Rio Communities officials say no data centers are planned
Officials in Rio Communities, New Mexico, have debunked rumors of a data center being built in the city, stating no formal proposals or applications have been submitted. However, the city's Planning and Zoning Commission is proactively working to define data centers and develop ordinances, while a real estate firm advertises local land as a potential data center site. Residents have expressed opposition to future data center development during commission meetings.
The city of Rio Communities, New Mexico, is actively addressing public concern and misinformation regarding potential data center development. City Manager Marty Moore clarified that despite social media rumors, no data center project has been proposed, no land sales have occurred for such purposes, and no permit applications have been filed. Landowners, including the Martin Sisneros family, Felipe Sanchez, and Harvey Yates, are advertising property in southern Rio Communities, with global real estate firm CBRE marketing over 365 acres in the Rio Grande Industrial Park as a "premier data center development site" due to its proximity to the Valencia Power Generation Station.
The Rio Communities Planning and Zoning Commission, chaired by Melodie Good, is proactively working to update the city's zoning ordinance to include definitions and potential future ordinances for data centers. Good emphasized the need for clear regulations "in order to protect Rio Communities" from undesirable large-scale development. The commission has conducted extensive research and held meetings over the past six months, during which residents and non-residents voiced opposition to data centers.
Moore reiterated that any future data center proposal would undergo a public review process and that the city aims to direct such developments to appropriate industrial or manufacturing areas, away from residential zones. He also denied claims that the city is actively recruiting data center development, citing a lack of economic development staff. While landowners have received informal inquiries, no formal proposals or commitments have been made.