Woodland City Manager Discusses Potential Data Center, Public Expresses Opposition
Woodland City Manager Ken Hiatt mentioned potential interest in a data center being built in the city, although no formal request has been filed. This prompted significant public opposition and concerns from residents regarding environmental impact, noise, water usage, and electricity costs. The discussion highlights the community's early negative sentiment towards such a development.
In a column for The Daily Democrat, former editor Jim Smith reflects on reader comments following a news story about the State of the City report, delivered by Woodland City Manager Ken Hiatt. Hiatt's report, generally positive, included comments about the possibility of a data center being built in Woodland.
Despite Hiatt clarifying that no formal request has been filed and any proposal would undergo a planning process, environmental review, and public comment, his remarks ignited strong opposition from residents. Public comments, highlighted in the column, expressed vehement disapproval, with many simply stating "NO" to a data center. Specific concerns raised included the environmental impact, noise, significant water usage, and strain on power bills, particularly given California's drought years and high electricity costs.