Kingston council green-lights data center
The Kingston City Council approved annexation and a special use permit allowing Thor Equities to build a roughly 350,000-square-foot data center on 561 acres near Highway 293. The approval passed despite substantial public opposition over forest loss, wildlife, water, waste handling and limited public discussion, with numerous environmental, infrastructure and historic-preservation conditions attached.
The Kingston City Council voted to annex approximately 561 acres and approved a special use permit for Thor Equities to develop a 350,000-square-foot data center near Highway 293 and Law Road. The project received approval after two separate votes, including a 2-1 vote on the special use permit, with Councilman Payton Silvers opposing it. Thor executive Greg Berman said the development could generate about $2 million annually in tax benefits, provide a sewer line and fund preservation of a historic kiln site.
Residents and other speakers raised concerns about forest destruction, wildlife habitat, cooling-system waste, glycol and the project’s effects on water and surrounding neighborhoods. The permit bars groundwater wells, requires environmental compliance, limits construction and generator-testing hours, requires Thor to pay for electrical and water infrastructure, and mandates buffers, trail and kiln improvements. Opposition remained strong after the approval, with nearby resident Mary Ann Townsend criticizing the council for failing to adequately inform or consult residents.