Small data center proposed in Maquoketa, Iowa
A small data center has been proposed for Maquoketa, Iowa, on a 46-acre industrially zoned parcel. Residents largely oppose the project, citing concerns about employment and the town's natural beauty, despite the city manager's assertion that it offers significant budget benefits without taxpayer incentives. The project is still in early stages with land transfer and utility details pending.
Maquoketa, Iowa, is currently considering a proposal for a new data center, slated for a 46-acre site south of town near Highway 61, an area already zoned for heavy industrial use. The proposal has met with considerable public opposition, as evidenced by residents filling city council chambers to voice their concerns during a recent meeting.
City Manager Josh Bolt presented the project, describing it as a "sweetheart deal" for the city because the developer would receive no tax breaks, electricity discounts, or public funding for infrastructure upgrades. Bolt emphasized the potential financial benefits, stating that the data center could boost city, county, and school budgets by hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, providing a crucial revenue stream amidst inflationary pressures.
However, residents expressed significant reservations. Forrest Gray, one of the many attendees, stated a preference for no data center at all, advocating for the town's natural beauty over industrial development and questioning the long-term employment impact. Angie Pettit Lichter, a member of the county conservation board, called for more sustainable solutions to the city's tax challenges, while Marie Young urged city officials to explore more creative and beneficial uses for the land, suggesting Maquoketa could "think bigger and more creatively."
City Manager Bolt clarified that the land has not yet been transferred to the developer. He noted that key details regarding potential nuisance issues, utility usage, and construction requirements would need to be established before any real estate transaction could proceed. Construction, if the project moves forward, is still several years away.