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Richland resident urges transparency on proposed Atlas Argo data-center project
Summary
Jamie Stavrick, identifying herself as a Richland resident, told the commission she opposes hyperscale AI/data centers and urged transparency on the Atlas Argo project, citing health, environmental and NDA-related concerns; commissioners noted the public hearing rules but did not respond substantively in the meeting.
During the public-comment portion of the meeting, Jamie Stavrick identified herself and asked the Planning Commission to increase transparency around proposed data-center development she said is occurring near Richland.
"I am anti data center for many reasons, the main one being hyperscale AI data centers have only been around for roughly six years. It's simply not enough time to rule out potential long term health and environmental consequences," Stavrick said, adding concerns that non-disclosure agreements and a lack of public information have left residents feeling shut out.
Stavrick specifically asked whether the city planned to conduct the Atlas Argo project permitting with more public transparency and compared the process unfavorably to nearby West Richland, which she said has a public project webpage. She also said national polling she cited suggests significant public opposition and warned of community distrust if residents perceive decisions are made behind closed doors.
Staff reiterated the public hearing and public comment procedures (speakers must state name and address and are limited to two minutes) but did not provide a substantive response to Stavrick's assertions during the meeting. No formal action or staff direction related to Atlas Argo was made at this meeting; subsequent project reviews and public processes were referenced later by staff as forthcoming in the context of economic development efforts.
