Mason City Council voted to approve the M3 zoning ordinance Monday evening after months of public debate and amendments, setting new restrictions for data centers if one were to enter the community.
- Mason City Council approved M3 zoning ordinance setting data center restrictions despite resident opposition.
- Opponents cite concerns about high water and electricity consumption by data centers.
- Residents plan referendum to challenge ordinance.
The decision came despite strong opposition from residents who have spent months protesting against data centers, citing concerns about their high consumption of water and electricity.
Mason approves data center ordinance despite opposition
“We anticipated that they were going to pass this ordinance,” said Paula Caultrider, a local resident who opposed the measure.
During the meeting, Caultrider expressed frustration with the council’s decision-making process.
“Where are the public suggestions in the ordinance? You did not listen or read it,” Caultrider said…