Woodbury County Zoning Commission hears from residents during first data center town hall
The Woodbury County Zoning Commission held its first town hall to gather public input for a future ordinance regulating data center projects in unincorporated areas, following a 12-month moratorium enacted by the Board of Supervisors. Residents expressed concerns about water quality, noise, light, health, home values, and power impacts, while others highlighted landowner rights and business opportunities. More town halls are scheduled.
The Woodbury County Zoning Commission has initiated a series of three town hall meetings to solicit public input regarding a proposed ordinance that will regulate data center projects within the county's unincorporated areas. These public forums are intended to provide county residents with a platform to express their views on the future development of data centers.
This move by the Zoning Commission follows a 12-month moratorium on all potential data center developments in Woodbury County, which was enacted by the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors in June. The Commission is actively seeking community feedback to inform the specific requirements and regulations that will be incorporated into the new data center ordinance.
During the initial town hall held in Sloan, residents presented a range of perspectives. Some individuals emphasized the importance of protecting landowners' rights to utilize their property as they see fit and pointed to the potential economic benefits and businesses that data centers could attract. Conversely, a significant number of residents voiced strong concerns about the negative impacts associated with data centers, including potential degradation of water quality, increased noise and light pollution, possible health issues, adverse effects on home values, and strain on the local power grid. Dan Bittenger, a member of the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors who attended the meeting, noted that the board is committed to considering the rights of all residents.
The Zoning Commission plans to compile all public input gathered from these meetings to assist in drafting the data center ordinance. Upcoming town hall meetings are scheduled for September 21st in Moville and November 9th in Salix, both starting at 7 p.m. at their respective community centers.