Eagle Mountain rezoning for possible data center draws little opposition
A rezoning request in Eagle Mountain, Utah, to allow for a potential new data center near existing facilities, faced minimal public opposition during a Planning Commission meeting. The commission unanimously recommended approval of the zoning change, which will now go before the City Council for final consideration next month. The property owner emphasized that the rezoning does not guarantee a data center will be built but allows for future marketing for such use.
A public hearing regarding a rezoning request in Eagle Mountain, Utah, that could pave the way for a new data center, garnered little public interest despite growing debates over data centers elsewhere in the state and country. Only two residents voiced concerns during the planning commission meeting, primarily urging caution and careful consideration of long-term impacts.
The 41-acre property, owned by Reagan Peck, is located adjacent to existing data center facilities operated by Meta and QTS Data Centers. Meta has been operating in Eagle Mountain for about five years, employing approximately 1,200 people, while QTS Data Centers' facility is nearing completion and is projected to create 2,000 jobs.
Eagle Mountain Economic Development Director Abby Ivory noted that residents have become accustomed to data center operations and their economic benefits, suggesting the city's proactive approach to education and collaboration with operators has fostered public trust. She also highlighted that the proposed site is suitable for data center development as it's not ideal for other uses.
Despite the minor public apprehension, the planning commission unanimously recommended approving the zoning change. The proposal will now move to the Eagle Mountain City Council for a final vote next month, where additional opportunities for public comment will be provided.