Clinton residents ask city council to slow plans for 1,300-acre data center
Dozens of Clinton residents urged the city council to slow plans for a 1,300-acre hyperscale data center near Clinton Municipal Airport. Opponents cited concerns about noise, light pollution, impacts on infrastructure and the environment, while city leaders said the proposed ordinance includes safeguards for responsible development.
Dozens of Clinton, Iowa, residents attended a meeting at Eagle Point Lodge to oppose the pace of planning for a proposed 1,300-acre hyperscale data center near the Clinton Municipal Airport. Celeste Robbins, who helped organize a local opposition group, said residents want the city to slow the process and adopt stronger protections before construction begins. Residents raised concerns about constant noise, light pollution, effects on nearby homes and fields, livestock protections, and pressure on the town's infrastructure and environment.
Robbie Barr said the project is too large for a city of about 24,000 people and called for a citywide vote. City leaders defended the current approach, saying the proposed ordinance contains guardrails and mechanisms to mitigate risks while allowing responsible development. The meeting included a first hearing on the ordinance, but the transcript does not indicate a final decision on the project or regulations.