Aurora data center moratorium delayed again
The Aurora City Council failed by one vote to reconsider an indefinite moratorium on new data center applications, leaving the proposal on hold until a possible meeting on Nov. 9. The moratorium would pause new applications while the city develops regulations addressing issues such as setbacks from homes, noise, pollution, electricity use and water consumption.
Aurora City Council’s effort to reconsider an indefinite moratorium on new data center applications failed by one vote, creating another delay in the city’s attempt to pause development while new regulations are drafted. Mayor Mike Kaufman said council members may revisit the proposal at their next regularly scheduled meeting on Nov. 9. Potential rules could address the distance between data centers and residential neighborhoods.
The debate follows the city’s approval of the Trident Data Center near E-470 and East 48th Avenue. Nearby residents have raised concerns about possible health effects, noise, air pollution, electricity demand and water consumption, and several attended the meeting to urge officials to halt new projects. The approved Trident project would not be covered by the moratorium, although its developer said it would consider other locations; the city attorney said a relocation would be handled as an amended application rather than a new one.