Alachua residents push back against proposed data center rules ahead of planning meeting
Alachua residents are actively opposing a proposed amendment to the city's comprehensive plan that would establish specific regulations for data centers. They argue the proposed rules do not go far enough and want data centers excluded from the plan entirely. The Planning and Zoning Board is scheduled to hear the proposal at an upcoming meeting.
The City of Alachua is considering a proposed amendment to its Alachua 2050 comprehensive plan, which aims to guide future growth and development. This new draft includes specific language for the first time about data centers and other businesses that consume significant electricity and water.
Under the proposal, data centers could be built on industrial-zoned property, provided they meet certain requirements related to noise, heat, landscaping, and building appearance. The plan also mandates that data centers utilize the city's reclaimed water system if there is sufficient capacity.
However, the proposal is facing significant opposition from local residents, spearheaded by the group "Speak-Up Alachua." The group contends that the proposed requirements are inadequate and advocates for the complete removal of language allowing data centers, rather than merely creating rules for them. Hundreds of residents reportedly voiced similar concerns during a city workshop in May. "Speak-Up Alachua" also referenced previous comments from city staff in June, suggesting that large-scale data centers would be challenging to construct under existing city regulations.
The Alachua Planning and Zoning Board is scheduled to hear the proposal tonight.