Spillover crowd talks to panel on data center project
Residents packed a Fort Madison Planning and Zoning Commission meeting to voice opposition to a proposed AI data center. The city is working to create a new "High Impact Infrastructure" ordinance to address concerns like noise, water, and electricity use, as current zoning has few restrictions. Lee County has also enacted a moratorium on data center construction, though the current project proceeds under prior rules.
A packed Fort Madison City Hall saw over 100 residents spill into the parking lot for a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting dedicated to a proposed AI data center. Residents voiced strong opposition to the project, planned for the east side of Fort Madison where Hwy. 61 enters the city, citing concerns over noise, water, and electricity usage.
City Building Director Doug Krogmeier outlined a proposed "High Impact Infrastructure" ordinance, which aims to introduce new restrictions for data centers and similar developments, as the current Industrial 2 zoning provides few controls. He acknowledged the city's lack of expertise on the subject and encouraged residents to provide research, noting that the city does not yet have concrete answers from utility providers like Alliant regarding power use. No action was taken on the proposed code, which will require further review and council consideration.
Residents, including Fred Newkirk, passionately described potential noise pollution, while Paul Wilkerson questioned the lack of transparency surrounding the project's early stages. City Manager Laura Liegois clarified that the city lacks jurisdiction over the main project site, which lies primarily within Lee County, but has control over small buffer parcels.
Lee County Supervisor Garry Seyb confirmed that the county currently has no zoning restrictions that would impede the specific project by developer Dustin Wolgemuth, as it was initiated before the county enacted a moratorium on data center construction. Seyb invited residents to county board meetings, while Liegois indicated the city would schedule additional meetings to discuss proposed code language and potential two-mile zoning jurisdiction by ordinance.