In a residents-only community meeting Monday night, Woodward’s mayor and Microsoft representatives unveiled plans for the company to build a data center within city limits.
More than 200 residents gathered in the auditorium of Woodward-Granger High School to hear details about the project and express their opinions.
It comes as Microsoft purchased over 600 acres of land in Woodward late last week. The land was purchased from an independent seller, not from the city. It’s already zoned for industrial use, which includes <a href="https://axiomcore.info/the-us-is-fighting-over-data-centers-china-is-building-them-and-fast/" title="The US is fighting over data centers. China is building them, and fast”>data centers.
Tempers flared within the meeting, with one person being escorted out by police as Microsoft officials and Mayor Todd Folkerts answered questions about the project.
Many said they were frustrated at the lack of community involvement in the project.
“Is this something that we get a vote on? I mean, something this big, the community should get to vote on instead of doing back-ended deals,” one resident said.
Folkerts said residents would not get to vote on the matter, but city council would vote on negotiations between Microsoft and the city.
Microsoft representatives said the project would bring dozens of jobs, increase the tax base, and would not impact utility costs for residents.
Something Folkerts says is necessary.
“I can safely say I have not seen a single one of you at a budget meeting when we try to balance a budget for this community,” he said to the crowd. “We have to find revenue
But frustrations extended beyond the data center.
The meeting, which replaced the city’s regular city council meeting, was open to Woodward residents only. Attendees had to show proof of residency to get inside, and several people were turned away.
Randy Evans, president of Iowa’s Freedom of Information Council, was one of the people turned away. He said requiring proof of residency goes against Iowa’s open meeting laws.
“It runs counter to the openness that the public meetings all guarantee,” Evans told KCCI. “From my vantage point, it erodes the trust and confidence, and the respect for Woodward city government.”
Microsoft said the building has not been designed, and doing so would take roughly two years before construction could even begin.
Woodward cancels city council meeting for ‘community conversation’ that may violate Iowa Open Meetings Act
