Letter urges Monticello voters to weigh costs of proposed data center
A letter to the editor urges Monticello voters to oppose the city’s proposed data center, citing potential electricity costs, noise, groundwater use and environmental impacts. The writer says the City Council adopted zoning regulations allowing data centers and that the Planning Commission recommended approval, but argues a full environmental impact statement is needed before final approval.
A letter to the editor argues that Monticello’s proposed data center could bring additional property tax revenue and benefit landowners, but warns that those economic gains may not outweigh potential impacts. The writer cites concerns about electricity consumption, noise, groundwater use and the project’s role in supporting artificial-intelligence growth.
The letter says Mayor Lloyd Hilgart and three City Council members voted to adopt zoning regulations permitting data centers through a conditional-use process, while Councilmember Charlotte Gabler opposed the ordinance. It also notes that the Planning Commission recommended approval and urges voters to pressure city officials to change course before the project receives final approval, while calling for a full environmental impact statement beyond the city’s completed areawide review.