In a surprising turn of events, a citizen-driven initiative to halt a significant land transaction in Page has been stopped by city officials. The planned sale is for the construction of a substantial data center, generating mixed reactions among the local population.
The move to pause the initiative arose after officials discovered discrepancies in the paperwork submitted by residents. According to Page clerk Cindy Scott, crucial serial numbers were missing, and the measure’s text was improperly attached.
The petition, signed by 400 residents, was effectively nullified before any signatures could be validated. “People are feeling kind of cheated, or like it was a petty loss,” remarked Beth Henshaw, the petition organizer, reflecting the community’s sentiment.
There’s controversy over a possible new data center in rural Davis, West Virginia. NPR’s Ayesha Rascoe talks with journalist Dan Parks.
Henshaw emphasized the effort’s symbolic value, saying, “I think it shows that the citizens want a say in big changes happening to the community and that they do not want the city council to decide for them and that they’re not feeling like the city council is representing them.” Despite the setback, she intends to continue opposing the 500-acre project proposed by the U.K.-based company Rooskey.
Although the city council considered independently referring the question to a ballot, Henshaw doubts this will happen due to the council’s majority support for the data center. Environmental concerns remain a significant issue for some residents, though proponents argue the 1 gigawatt facility will boost local employment and tax income.
The council had already approved the land sale in October, but the property must be rezoned before any construction begins.
The Page City Council moved forward with plans to sell 500 acres for the construction of a $15 million data center. But some residents want the issue to go to a city-wide vote.
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