Opposition to Alton data center fills City Council meeting
About 20 of the 28 speakers at an Alton City Council meeting opposed TerraWatt’s proposed Riverbend Technology Center data center at the former Alton Steel site. The council authorized Stantec Consulting Services Inc. to review the project’s plans, economic data and environmental impacts, but made no final decision on the proposal.
A large, vocal crowd attended the Alton City Council meeting to oppose TerraWatt’s proposed Riverbend Technology Center at the former Alton Steel site. Speakers raised concerns about property values, environmental impacts, noise and the adequacy of the company’s responses at a prior open house. Mayor David Goins said the project remains at a very early stage.
The council authorized an agreement with Stantec Consulting Services Inc. to review the proposed data center’s plans, economic data and environmental impacts. It also unanimously approved revised public-comment rules, including a five-minute limit for speakers, while the broader project remains under consideration.