Supervisors hear feedback on data center concerns
Nearly 300 residents packed a public meeting in Peosta to provide feedback to Dubuque County supervisors regarding a proposed data center ordinance. The county is currently under a 12-month moratorium on data center development as they work to establish new regulations. Supervisors acknowledged they are still gathering information and addressing community concerns.
Nearly 300 residents from Dubuque County, Iowa, gathered at the Peosta Community Centre ballroom on June 23 to offer feedback to the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors regarding the development of a data center ordinance. The public meeting occurred during the county's active 12-month moratorium on data center development, indicating a period for assessing regulatory needs and public sentiment.
Supervisors, including Ann McDonough, Harley Pothoff, and Wayne Kenniker, were present to hear the community's concerns. Supervisor Harley Pothoff stated that the board was operating on "rumors" and acknowledged a lack of complete information at the time, indicating the preliminary stage of their ordinance development. Residents like Adam Kennedy of Peosta and Steve Pink addressed the board, with Pink specifically inquiring about the legal aspects of developing such an ordinance. The substantial turnout underscores the high level of community interest and potential opposition to unregulated data center expansion within Dubuque County.