Weld County Commissioners unanimously approve a special use permit for a data center
The Weld County Board of Commissioners has unanimously approved a proposed data center that could become the largest in Colorado.
Commissioners voted five-to-zero Wednesday to approve the roughly 41-acre project planned for the former Carestream Health site in unincorporated Weld County near Windsor.
The New York-based company Global AI is proposing the data center.
During a public hearing, residents raised concerns about the project's potential impacts, including water use, noise, electricity demand, and the effect on nearby neighborhoods.
Community members also questioned the company's outreach. When Global AI was asked whether it had contacted surrounding residents about the project, a company representative acknowledged it had not.
The representative said that may have been a mistake, adding the company should have been more upfront with the community.
One resident said there is still not enough information about how the project could affect nearby homes. Concerns were also raised about potential health impacts that residents say have not been adequately addressed.
Water supply and noise were additional issues discussed during the hearing.
Despite those concerns, commissioners unanimously approved the permit.
After the vote, Global AI thanked the county commissioners for reviewing the project. The company said it will continue moving forward while meeting county requirements, working with local officials, and providing updates to the community.
