Marana's newly sworn-in mayor talks data centers and development
Marana's newly sworn-in Mayor Jon Post discussed his vision for the town, including managing growth, protecting water resources, and improving infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of ensuring a new data center project integrates responsibly, mitigating negative impacts like noise and water usage, and indicated a plan to revisit the town's data center ordinance.
Marana's newly sworn-in Mayor Jon Post shared his vision for the Arizona town, focusing on controlled growth, water preservation, and infrastructure development. Post, who previously served as vice mayor and acting mayor, officially took office following a contentious election, emphasizing his commitment to guiding Marana's expansion while retaining its small-town character. He highlighted the town's efforts over the last 30 years to secure a solid water supply, ensuring Marana can navigate statewide water cuts without significant issues.
A key part of Mayor Post's plan involves significant infrastructure projects, including completing interchanges at Moore Road and Tangerine, addressing drainage, and expanding town parks. He also prioritizes the acquisition of the Tortolita Preserve from the state to ensure its permanent protection. Regarding economic development, Post expressed the town's openness to businesses that create jobs, referencing the situation in Tucson with "Project Blue" as an example of national attention.
The mayor specifically addressed an upcoming data center project, underscoring the importance of its correct implementation to avoid negative community impacts. He cited concerns such as noise, water use, and visual aesthetics, stating that the town "can't fail" in these aspects. Post also indicated a need to revisit the existing data center ordinance to incorporate new regulations, particularly regarding harmonic noise, ensuring that even already-zoned projects comply with any updated requirements.