Public urges caution as commission debates one-year data‑center moratorium

Public commenters warned that an unregulated data center buildout could have long‑term effects on Petersburg Borough and urged the Planning Commission to adopt safeguards before any project establishes a precedent.

Mary Evans, speaking online, told the commission the proposed Greenspark facility "could ultimately consume the 2 megawatts of electricity continuously 24 hours a day, 365," and asked whether the borough has the zoning authority and data it needs to consider cumulative impacts. Becky Knight said privacy risks and data breaches make the issue urgent and requested "that you authorize a moratorium on all such centers" until the community has policies in place. David Beebe similarly urged officials to do technical due diligence and review constitutional privacy implications.

Staff and commissioners said no application from Greenspark is before the commission; the planning staff is drafting a data‑center ordinance to amend Title 19. Commissioner (S3) proposed an action item for the next meeting: a one‑year moratorium on data centers in Service Area 1, defined to apply to all zoning districts in Service Area 1, to allow time to develop code language and a definition of "data center." Staff advised the draft will need review by the borough attorney before scheduling a hearing.

Why it matters: commenters tied local planning to broader concerns—electricity demand, water and heat management, battery safety, noise and long‑term land‑use precedent—calling for public hearings and clear limits before private development proceeds. The commission agreed to draft language and treat a moratorium as an action item at the next meeting.