Data center pause debate heats up at city council
During a Socorro City Council meeting, residents urged the enactment of a temporary moratorium on industrial-scale data centers, citing concerns over water and energy use. Mayor Ravi Bhasker opposed a blanket moratorium but emphasized transparency and awaited recommendations from a county committee. Separately, the council denied a permit for a fiber-optic regeneration building in a residential zone.
During a September 15 Socorro City Council meeting, public comments focused on the potential for a temporary moratorium on industrial-scale data centers. Residents Mary Ross and Janet Goldstein urged the council to implement a pause until a county Blue Ribbon Committee issues recommendations, citing concerns over water usage, energy demands, and the need for transparency in development.
Mayor Ravi Bhasker disagreed with a blanket moratorium, stating that the city does not sign nondisclosure agreements and would disclose any developer inquiries. However, he acknowledged the need for specific guidance from the committee before considering such a broad measure.
In other business, the council honored Councilor Peter Romero for his Marine Corps service and approved a significant contract for Cuba Road improvements. Notably, a special-use permit for an unmanned fiber-optic regeneration building on Spring Street was denied following a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning department, which opposed placing the facility in an R-4 residential zone.