Town’s new river access park given official name, data center moratorium approved
The Pagosa Springs Town Council unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on data center permit and land development applications. This decision allows the town to monitor data center development and assess potential impacts. Council members also suggested incorporating community input for long-term solutions.
The Pagosa Springs Town Council unanimously voted to name its new river access park "San Juan River Park" during its August 18 regular meeting. The four-acre property, acquired in May 2025 for approximately $800,000, aims to expand boater and recreational access to the San Juan River. Town Manager David Harris noted discussions with leaders from the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Jicarilla Apache tribe regarding incorporating local history, with "San Juan River Park" emerging as a prevalent and regionally significant name.
Also at the August 18 meeting, the council unanimously approved the second reading of Ordinance 1037, enacting a six-month moratorium on accepting or processing permit and land development applications for data centers. Planning Manager Owen O'Dell explained the moratorium's purpose is to allow staff to monitor state and national data center development, technological advances, and potential impacts on human health, safety, and ecological systems.
Council member Madeline Bergon emphasized the importance of community input in determining a long-term solution for data centers, suggesting the public might initiate a ballot measure. Mayor Shari Pierce indicated that the council could discuss this suggestion before the next election, acknowledging the need for broader community involvement in such decisions.