Hillsboro Economic Development Corp. provides data center update
The Hillsboro Economic Development Corporation is proposing amendments to city ordinances to require specific use permits and development agreements for data centers. This move aims to provide additional protections for the city, though a local opposition group, Save Hill County, fears it could open the area to more data center development. Community opposition to data centers remains ongoing.
The Hillsboro Economic Development Corporation held a meeting with the City of Hillsboro to discuss proposed amendments to existing city ordinances concerning data center development. Hillsboro Economic Development Director Jessica Trew stated that the changes would require a Specific Use permit and a development agreement for data centers, providing additional protections. She explained that currently, data centers could establish in heavy industrial zones without such an agreement, lacking an "extra layer of protection."
However, Linda Pauley, founder of Save Hill County, expressed concern that these changes could "open the flood gates" for data center development, rather than protecting the community. Pauley noted that without these amendments, data centers might be prevented from entering heavy industrial areas. She affirmed that data center-related meetings would remain a priority for her group, highlighting continued community vigilance.