Opposition To Cheyenne Data Centers Grows As City Moves To Add Them

The Cheyenne City Council is currently deliberating the rezoning of a substantial 1,260-acre parcel for a new business park, which includes plans for a data center developed by the Viawest Group. Tom Glissmeyer, a spokesman for Viawest Group, stated that the company intends to develop the data center thoughtfully and responsibly over several years. A notable element of the property is a privately owned mausoleum, whose fate has become a concern for former land owners, including Gay Woodhouse, former Wyoming attorney general, who requested a two-week delay in any decisions. The proposed annexation and data center development have ignited considerable public opposition from Cheyenne residents. Concerns range from the data centers’ significant water and electricity demands to increased traffic in the Rolling Hills neighborhood and broader impacts on the community's character and natural landscape. A petition advocating for a temporary moratorium on future data centers is circulating ahead of a City Council meeting. Councilman Larry Wolfe acknowledged residents' concerns, stating he shares many of them and believes data center development has 'completely outstripped the ability of the county and the city to plan.' In contrast, Betsey Hale, CEO of Cheyenne LEADS, an economic development entity, supports data center expansion, highlighting their location in business parks and their consumption of only 1.9% of Cheyenne’s total water supply. Hale dismisses the idea of a moratorium, calling it 'fear mongering' and an 'absolute 'no.'' She encourages respectful dialogue to discuss mitigation strategies rather than a complete halt to development. The Public Services Committee report affirms the proposed Business Park (BP) rezoning's suitability for various industrial and commercial uses, including data centers, and states it would not adversely affect public health, safety, or welfare. As the debate continues, Councilman Wolfe urged residents to voice their concerns directly to the City Council. The potential decision on the rezoning and the broader approach to data center growth in Cheyenne remains a complex and contentious issue for local leaders and the community.