Residents Rally Against City Plans for Massive Data Center

During a recent Farmington City Council meeting, residents expressed deep concerns regarding the city's plans to rezone the south end of Farmington for industrial use, which includes the establishment of a significant data center. Community member Nancy Arstead highlighted the lack of transparency from city officials, accusing them of failing to engage residents adequately before amending the comprehensive plan. She criticized the council for scheduling public hearings after key votes had already been made, suggesting that this undermined genuine community input.

Arstead also raised alarms about the city’s handling of non-disclosure agreements with Technology Park entities, questioning the implications of a third data center that has not been disclosed to the public. She emphasized that many residents were unaware of these developments, urging them to pay closer attention to city decisions that could drastically alter their community.

Another resident, Randy LaRoche, echoed these sentiments, noting that many neighbors were uninformed about the impending changes. He took it upon himself to inform over 30 residents in nearby neighborhoods, revealing a significant gap in communication from the city.

The meeting underscored a growing frustration among residents regarding perceived governmental neglect and a lack of accountability. As the council moves forward with plans that could reshape the community, residents are calling for greater transparency and engagement from their elected officials.