Luther residents express outrage after data center meeting postponed
Residents of Luther, Oklahoma, expressed outrage after a town meeting to discuss Beltline Energy's proposed data center was postponed due to overcrowding. Many attendees opposed the project, citing concerns about transparency and a lack of information, and plan to return for the rescheduled meeting.
On Monday night, residents of Luther, Oklahoma, packed downtown to attend a town meeting regarding Beltline Energy's proposed data center, only to learn that the highly anticipated discussion would be postponed. The turnout far exceeded the capacity of Town Hall, even after officials increased the maximum from 65 to 128 people, leading to crowds gathering outside with signs in opposition to the project.
Mayor Terry Arps announced the postponement, which was met with immediate frustration and shouts of "Impeach these people" from some attendees. Resident Janice McCurdy criticized town leaders for not anticipating the large crowd and failing to secure a larger venue like the high school auditorium, emphasizing that "Everyone deserves to be heard."
Another resident, Larry Butler, expressed concerns about a perceived lack of transparency and information regarding the data center's potential positives and negatives. He demanded that officials "Give us some data" before any decision is made.
News 9 interviewed several residents who described themselves as shocked, frustrated, and betrayed by the delay. All residents interviewed reiterated their opposition to the project and vowed to attend the rescheduled meeting on June 17, for which a new location has not yet been announced, to ensure their voices are heard.