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Residents urge council to oppose proposed data center, raise concerns about vacant properties and flooding
Summary
During public comment, residents urged the council to vote down a proposed data center when it reaches planning and zoning, pressed for enforcement against out‑of‑state slumlords, raised tree‑removal and levee repair concerns on 3rd Street, and praised Main Street Waterloo’s downtown work. A petitioner noted broad community opposition to the data center.
Several Waterloo residents used the council’s public‑comment period on June 15 to press the city on development, neighborhood maintenance and public‑safety concerns.
Jake Groat told the council petitioners oppose a proposed data center and asked councilors to “vote no when this comes to a final vote later on in the year.” The mayor replied that the project must first go before planning and zoning and, if denied there, could be appealed to the council; he encouraged organizers to attend planning and zoning and future council hearings.
Megan Butler urged stronger action on vacant and poorly maintained rental properties, saying some landlords appear to be out of state and that the city could consider vacant‑property codes similar to other Iowa cities. She said volunteers had prepared a simple guide to report problems online and offered QR codes to help neighbors file complaints.
Forrest Dillavoe raised concerns about tree removals and recent earthwork near a holding pond on 3rd Street, saying levee repairs and pumping capacity are inadequate in parts of the west end. Wayne Nathan asked whether previously approved tax incentives remain in force for a local business; staff offered to have the appropriate official follow up by email.
Other speakers included Kathy Schueller of Main Street Waterloo, who highlighted downtown events and economic‑development work, and Aaron Stacy Roberts, who made extended allegations requesting investigation. The council closed public comment and received the remarks for the public record.
