Angry Cheyenne Residents Speak Out Against Annexation And Proposed Data Center

The Cheyenne City Council unanimously tabled a controversial proposal to annex more than 1,200 acres of land west of Roundtop Road for a potential data center, postponing the decision until September 14. This action followed over two hours of public testimony from angry residents primarily opposing the project, citing concerns about increased traffic, water usage, electricity demand, and light pollution. The annexation, a necessary step for the data center, was requested by the William S. Cox Foundation, which owns the land and plans to sell it to fund its charitable activities. Conner Nicklas, an attorney for the William S. Cox Trust, confirmed that a purchase-sale agreement is in place with Phoenix-based real estate agency ViaWest Group, which intends to develop the land with partner Skybox, a Texas-based data center development company. Residents and council members, including Larry Wolfe, questioned the transparency of the process and the project's alignment with the city's outdated growth plan, PlanCheyenne. Neighboring rancher Mark Eisele and former Wyoming attorney general Gay Woodhouse also raised concerns, with Woodhouse seeking protection for a family mausoleum on the property. Jack O’Neill, representing Skybox, advocated for the project, emphasizing the need for responsible data center development for the AI race, while also suggesting a pause for more community engagement. Despite Mayor Patrick Collins's request to focus comments on annexation, public opposition largely centered on the data center. The council will revisit the proposed annexation, along with a subsequent rezoning for a business park, later in the year.