Despite protests, Salix leaders vote to proceed with data center project
The Salix city council in Iowa narrowly voted against a one-year moratorium on data center development, despite significant resident opposition and protests. This decision clears a path for a potential data center project involving Google and MidAmerican Energy, although the annexed land still requires rezoning and the city faces a legal challenge over the annexation.
The Salix City Council in northwest Iowa recently held a contentious vote regarding a proposed one-year moratorium on data center development, ultimately voting three-to-two against its enactment. The decision followed an unruly public meeting, where residents vocalized strong opposition, prompting Mayor Kevin Nelson to call for police intervention, though no arrests were made.
Council member Denise Burkhart, who previously supported the moratorium, changed her stance after Google was identified as a potential customer for the project. She emphasized the need for dialogue with Google to understand the potential benefits for the community. Conversely, council member Gene Monk argued for the moratorium, advocating for a "cool-down period" for research and for residents to have a more direct say in such a significant decision, especially after last week's meeting was postponed due to social media death threats.
The council's vote allows the continuation of plans for a potential data center project involving Google and MidAmerican Energy on 900 acres of farmland south of Sioux City, which Salix leaders have already annexed. However, this annexation is currently facing a legal challenge from Woodbury County, and the land still requires rezoning before any data center development can proceed.