Sitka planners vote down data centers for now
The Sitka Planning Commission voted 4-0 to recommend defining data centers in the city zoning code and prohibiting their development in all zones for now. The recommendation will go to the Sitka Assembly, amid concerns about energy and water consumption, environmental impacts, pollution and public safety.
Sitka Planning Commission members voted unanimously to recommend that the city define data centers in its zoning code and prohibit them as a permitted or conditional use in every zone until stronger local standards are developed. The recommendation will be considered by the Sitka Assembly.
Commissioners and public commenters raised concerns about data centers’ potential effects on Sitka’s limited hydropower and fresh-water supplies, air quality, broadband capacity, neighborhood character, noise, pollution and public safety. Sustainability officials said interest in data centers is increasing across Alaska and urged the city to establish rules before a proposal is submitted.