In a recent city council meeting, officials discussed the potential extension of urgency ordinance number 2245, which currently prohibits new land use entitlements within McCaslin Business Park, also known as Saturn Park. The ordinance, initially adopted on June 18, 2024, is set to expire on August 2, 2024, but city staff proposed extending the moratorium for an additional 10 months and 15 days to allow for further public input and planning.

Jessica Serrano, the Community Development Director, emphasized that the extension would provide the Saturn Park advisory review committee with more time to gather community feedback and draft a specific plan for the area. However, this proposal faced pushback from stakeholders involved in a data center project at 1977 Saturn, who argued that the lengthy moratorium could jeopardize their plans.

Jim Pugh, representing the data center applicant, outlined a two-pronged solution to allow the project to proceed while still accommodating the city's planning efforts. He proposed a development agreement that would provide additional community benefits and suggested adding a provision to the ordinance that would permit certain exempted activities during the moratorium. This would enable the project to move forward while still allowing the city to maintain control over development.

Bridal Marsh, CEO of StratCap Data Centers, echoed concerns about the proposed extension, stating that the lengthy moratorium could hinder their ability to close on the property by the August 30 deadline. He highlighted the economic benefits the data center could bring to the city, including job creation and tax revenue.

Residents also voiced their opinions during the public hearing, with some expressing skepticism about the necessity of a 10-month extension. One resident urged the council to consider a shorter duration, arguing that the existing zoning and land use elements were already aligned and that further delays could discourage development in the area.

As the council deliberated, it became clear that a compromise may be necessary to balance the interests of the developers with the city's planning objectives. The discussion highlighted the ongoing tension between economic development and community planning, as stakeholders seek to navigate the complexities of land use regulations in Saturn Park.