Kingston Zoning Board recommends approval of data center special use permit
The Kingston Unified Zoning Board voted 2-1 to recommend approval of Thor Equities’ special use permit for a proposed data center, but the Kingston City Council will make the final decision. Nearby residents raised concerns about noise, infrasound, water use, energy costs, and impacts on the area’s rural character during the public hearing.
The Kingston Unified Zoning Board recommended approval of Thor Equities’ special use permit for the proposed Kingston Technology Hub by a 2-1 vote. Board members Hamilton Erle and Jeanette Perkins-Graves supported the recommendation, while Don Jenkins opposed it. The Kingston City Council is scheduled to hold a second public hearing and decide the permit request.
Thor Equities Executive Vice President Greg Berman said the site’s distance from residences, natural buffers and hillside would limit the facility’s visibility, noise and other impacts. Residents Natalie Green, Katherine Potts and Mary Ann Townsend opposed the project or urged additional review, citing concerns about residential impacts, infrasound, water pressure, energy costs and whether nearby residents would benefit. The board had previously recommended denying Thor Equities’ request to annex more than 500 acres for the project, leaving that decision to the City Council as well.