Pottawatomie County plans ahead for data center demands
Pottawatomie County planning commissioners held a public meeting to gather input on a proposed data center overlay district and new zoning regulations. Residents voiced strong opposition, citing environmental concerns and potential negative impacts on the local farming industry. The commission will deliberate on public comments before submitting recommendations to the board of county commissioners.
Pottawatomie County planning commissioners recently convened a public meeting in Wamego, Kansas, to discuss potential additions and amendments to the county’s developmental and zoning regulations concerning data centers. The meeting provided an open forum for residents to voice their opinions before the commission makes any official recommendations.
Bridget Snow, Pottawatomie’s county planner, informed attendees that the volunteer commission, after reviewing all public comments, would likely hold multiple discussion meetings to potentially incorporate changes based on feedback. Their final decision will be a recommendation submitted to the board of county commissioners.
Many residents attended the meeting to express their opposition to data center development, with environmental concerns being the most frequently cited reason for pushback. Alex Wood, a resident who spoke at the event, emphasized that the livelihoods of many in the area depend on the environmental state, particularly impacting the local farming industry. The commission plans to schedule another meeting for further public comment.