Springfield residents, business owners share support for and concerns about proposed data center definitions
The Springfield City Council held a public hearing on proposed definitions that would establish three categories of data centers in the city’s land development code. Local technology businesses opposed the definitions, saying they could improperly classify their offices and equipment facilities as data centers, while others urged stronger rules because of potential power, water and environmental impacts.
Springfield City Council heard public comments on proposed land development code definitions for accessory, micro and large-load data centers. The definitions would apply to facilities ranging from small, building-based systems to operations of at least 5 megawatts or more than 10,000 square feet, and the Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval.
Cameron Rose of Won Communications and Kevin Waterland of Pitt Technology Group said the proposal could capture ordinary business operations, fiber huts and equipment racks, potentially forcing their companies to relocate or limiting expansion. Clean Earth 4 Kids representative John Bottorff supported stronger definitions and cited concerns about data centers’ electricity use, water consumption and pollution. Public Works officials and City Manager David Cameron said the city wants further discussion but could revise the definitions after approval.