Boulder City officials call out data center approval as a ‘departure’ from precedent
Boulder City residents are protesting the approved construction of a data center by Townsite Solar, alleging the company sidestepped public and city input by moving the project to federal land. City officials also called the approval a "departure from precedent" for its swift process without public feedback. Opponents are now considering an appeal of the decision.
Boulder City residents recently protested the approved construction of a data center on the outskirts of town. The project, spearheaded by the Houston-based company Townsite Solar, has drawn ire from around 50 neighbors who gathered outside a Boulder City town hall. They claim the company sidestepped public engagement by shifting the project to federal land, thereby bypassing the Boulder City Council and the broader Clark County community.
According to residents and local officials, the data center was initially planned for the east side of US Highway 95 but was then moved to the west side, which is federal land. This move allowed Townsite Solar to secure federal approval without the usual city input or public feedback, a process which Boulder City officials described as an unusual "departure" from precedent. Residents expressed frustration that their concerns were not heard, with one individual noting a "shotgun approach" by the developer.
Opponents now believe their only recourse is to appeal the decision. Reporter James Schaeffer, covering the story from Boulder City, highlighted the perceived unfairness of the situation, stating that the project's approval without full city and public consultation was "absolutely out of line" and "ridiculous." It was revealed that Townsite Solar already had approval for the federal lot, complicating the city's ability to intervene.