‘We didn’t get to participate’: Mona residents criticize county commission over proposed data center
Mona, Utah residents are actively protesting a proposed data center in Juab County after a conditional use permit was approved without what they consider proper public notice. Citizens expressed strong opposition at a Juab County Commission meeting, citing concerns over the project's size, proximity to homes, and the lack of community involvement in the decision-making process. The commission acknowledged shortcomings in public notification but stated legal requirements were met.
Residents of Mona, Utah, gathered at a Juab County Commission meeting in Rocky Ridge to protest a large proposed data center planned west of their homes. Organized by Mona Cares – Neighbors for Responsible Growth, residents, including Taylor and Shelley Flake, voiced concerns about the project's scale, describing it as "the size of 20 Costcos" and located just 400 feet from Shelley Flake's house. They criticized the county for approving a conditional use permit on April 15 with what they claim was insufficient public notice, stating that only the county, selling landowners, and developers were present at the four-minute hearing.
Taylor Flake emphasized that the community was excluded from discussions and that nearby landowners did not receive letters of notification, unlike in other county projects. He pointed out that 93% of polled Juab County residents oppose the data center, highlighting the public's desire to be heard on a project poised to be the largest in the county's history and impact noise, lights, traffic, and water. Mona residents demanded the same transparency and opportunity to participate in development decisions as other communities.
Juab County Commissioner Marty Palmer affirmed that public notice was provided according to Utah State law via their website and newspaper. Commission Chairman Clinton Painter admitted the process moved "awfully quick" and apologized that residents felt improperly notified, stating they had considered stopping the conditional use permit earlier. He defended the commission's integrity while expressing regret over the low public hearing attendance, despite efforts to accommodate schedules.