Public safety, business talk fill Riverbank agenda
The Riverbank City Council enacted a 45-day moratorium on data centers to allow for further research into their impacts. This decision followed a proposal from Aemetis for a new Riverbank Technology Center that would include a sustainable computing facility. The council plans to reexamine the proposal in October.
At its most recent meeting, the Riverbank City Council addressed a packed agenda, including public safety and economic development. Police Chief Ed Ridenour presented new ordinances for bicycle and pedestrian safety, which were unanimously passed. The council also deliberated on the controversial topic of data centers, noting widespread community concerns across California regarding their environmental impact, water usage, and energy demands.
Aemetis, the Master Plan Developer for the Riverbank Industrial Complex, introduced a proposal for a "Riverbank Technology Center" featuring a sustainable computing facility. Andy Foster, EVP for Aemetis North America, informed the council that this project would inject millions of dollars into the city for schools and emergency services, without requiring additional power or water resources from Riverbank. Despite this presentation, the council decided to implement a 45-day moratorium on data centers, seeking more time to understand their potential long-term effects on the community. The Aemetis proposal will be reexamined at the first council meeting in October.
In separate business, Scott Castle, President of Boyett Petroleum, announced the company's relocation of its offices and over 100 employees to a 40,000 square-foot facility in Riverbank. Castle is working with the city on an Economic Incentive Agreement to benefit both Boyett Petroleum and the City of Riverbank.