Salem City Councilors Heard Strong Opposition to Proposed Data Center Developments
Salem city councilors heard strong public opposition to a proposed data center development by Verrus at the Mill Creek Corporate Center. Residents voiced concerns over energy costs and a lack of transparency after Verrus requested a non-disclosure agreement. Calls were made for a moratorium on data center development, prompting the city to establish a task force to analyze the plans.
Salem, Oregon, city councilors are facing strong public opposition regarding a proposed data center development by Verrus at the Mill Creek Corporate Center. The controversy intensified after it was revealed that Verrus had asked the city to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) for 16 months, which has since been lifted.
Residents voiced significant concerns at a city council meeting, criticizing the potential burden of energy costs on citizens, the perceived lack of transparency with "backroom deals" through the NDA, and the limited job creation versus community well-being. Incoming Salem Mayor Vanessa Nordyke confirmed she did not sign the NDA and learned of the development concurrently with the public. Some attendees advocated for a pause in data center development, drawing parallels to a recently approved moratorium by Hillsboro's city council, while others highlighted the project's potential to generate substantial local tax revenue and support economic growth.
The Salem City Council has decided to establish a task force to further analyze the plans for the data center at the Mill Creek Corporate Center amidst the ongoing debate.