Kingston Zoning Board recommends denial of data center annexation
Kingston’s Unified Zoning Board unanimously recommended denying Thor Equities’ request to annex 561.51 acres for a proposed 350,000-square-foot data center. Residents strongly opposed the project, citing potential noise, water use, property-value impacts and community disruption, while the developer highlighted tax revenue, sewer improvements and existing electrical infrastructure. Kingston City Council is scheduled to hold public hearings and make the final decision.
The Kingston Unified Zoning Board unanimously recommended denying Thor Equities’ annexation request for approximately 561.51 acres near Highway 293 and Law Road. The proposed Kingston Technology Hub would include a roughly 350,000-square-foot data center, along with infrastructure such as a new sewer line. Thor Executive Vice President Greg Berman said the site’s existing electrical infrastructure, isolation and potential tax revenue made it suitable, and said the project would bring county water from three miles away rather than use an on-site well.
All five public speakers opposed the proposal, raising concerns about water availability, cooling-system chemicals, noise from equipment and diesel generators, property values and the project’s effect on rural land. The contentious Oct. 15 meeting required police intervention as attendees shouted at the developer and board members. The recommendation now goes to the Kingston City Council for public hearings on Oct. 26 and Nov. 2, when the council is expected to take a final vote.