Estherville Sets Public Hearing for Proposed Data Center Ordinance
Estherville officials voted to hold a public hearing on a proposed ordinance regulating future data center development. Council members remain divided over whether the draft provides sufficient protections against low-frequency noise, particularly because the proposed overlay district is near schools and community facilities.
The Estherville City Council advanced a public hearing for Nov. 16 on a proposed data center ordinance drafted by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The ordinance would establish regulations for future data center development and create a related overlay district near schools, Iowa Lakes Community College and the Regional Wellness Center.
Councilman David Hovinga argued that the proposal does not adequately address low-frequency noise and should return to the Planning and Zoning Commission for further work. Councilman Gary Myers said construction standards and sound-mitigation measures could address many concerns, while Mayor Tony Condon said city leaders would continue evaluating the proposal during the public process.