Raton City Commission Considers Zoning Changes for Potential Data Center Amid Public Opposition
The Raton City Commission is discussing potential zoning and ordinance changes in response to significant public opposition against a proposed data center. Concerns include the potential data center's electrical and water usage, and noise levels. The city aims to create regulatory controls to mitigate negative community impacts rather than enacting a moratorium.
The Raton City Commission convened two special meetings to address public comments and consider changes to zoning ordinances regarding potential data center development. In response to "overwhelming public comment" against a data center possibly locating in Raton, commissioners are reviewing revision six of a proposed ordinance. This new ordinance aims to establish controls for data centers and other technology service businesses, addressing concerns like electrical and water usage, and how these facilities would fit within Raton's current zoning structure.
Commissioners are also considering the legal implications of creating industry-specific regulations, particularly concerning noise levels for data centers versus other businesses and emergency generators. While other communities have enacted moratoriums, Raton intends to create a regulatory framework to limit detrimental effects without prohibiting a private business from operating. The city's utility departments, Raton Public Service and Raton Water Works, already have approval procedures for resource usage. Mayor Chatterley's report and other unrelated commission business were also discussed during the meetings.