Vote on proposed data center in Colorado Springs postponed for six months
The Colorado Springs City Council has postponed a final vote on a proposed data center for six months following a contentious public hearing. Opposing sides are regrouping, with neighbors appealing the project's approval by city planning and the developer evaluating the partnership.
The Colorado Springs City Council has postponed a final decision on a proposed data center for six months after a day-long hearing filled with contentious public comments and cat calls. The motion to postpone passed 7-2. The data center is slated for the west side of Colorado Springs, just off Garden of the Gods Road.
Kate Can't Let, representing a group of neighbors appealing the project approval by City Planning, expressed satisfaction with the postponement, believing it allows time to strengthen their arguments about flaws in the process. The group plans to raise money and identify experts to detail the project's potential impact. Can't Let emphasized the importance of their fight, stating that allowing the project to proceed unchallenged would set a "horrible precedent for the rest of the country."
Developer Jason Green had previously stated he followed all zoning and city code rules. Following the council's decision, his team released a statement indicating they are evaluating whether the current partnership is the right path forward, with Green asserting, "I have to stand up for what's right." Questions regarding the objectivity of the City Council have arisen from both sides, especially as the new vote date falls after the upcoming April election, a point several council members reportedly brought up.