Cheyenne City Council approves Skybox data center annexation
The Cheyenne City Council approved the annexation of land for a proposed Skybox data center development by a 7-2 vote. The decision came after a public meeting where residents expressed both support and opposition, citing concerns over noise, light, and traffic, as well as the impact on a historic ranch.
The Cheyenne City Council held a meeting to discuss the proposed annexation of land west of Roundtop Road near Happy Jack Road for the Skybox data center development. The project has generated significant community discussion, with residents speaking both in favor of and against the annexation.
During the public discussion, a representative for the project expressed appreciation for the council's leadership and the community's involvement, stating that feedback has made their proposed project better. They highlighted a "commitment to the community" document addressing critical elements raised by residents. The speaker also mentioned collaboration in drafting this document and looked forward to delivering a great project.
Conversely, a resident from the Rose Rolling Hills neighborhood urged the council not to approve the annexation and rezoning, citing previous reasons and expressing frustration with the council's perceived dismissive attitude. She argued that many residents feel their concerns are ignored and that the council's decision was predetermined, ultimately benefiting only a small number of county residents. Another resident, associated with the Cox family, expressed gratitude for the developer's handling of concerns regarding a family mausoleum, noting that the project would not proceed without the annexation. Another opponent voiced concerns about increased noise, light, and traffic, which would affect neighborhoods outside city limits and beyond their voting influence. She emphasized the historical significance of the Wyman Angus Ranch, which would be impacted, and argued that the annexation would erode Cheyenne's western identity by sacrificing a historic landmark for a business park.
Ultimately, the Cheyenne City Council approved the annexation by a 7-2 vote. Council members also clarified that the annexation included two city-owned properties for a water treatment plant, an opportunity they took to save taxpayer money by piggybacking on the private developer's work.