Colorado Springs City Council announces special meeting to hear ‘Project Taurus’ appeal

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Colorado Springs City Council announces a special meeting on Sept. 17 at 9 a.m. to hear appeals against the recent ruling to continue development of a controversial data center known as "Project Taurus."

The city says the meeting will be held at the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, located at 190 S Cascade Ave., with a limit of 120 speakers for public comment.

According to officials, each speaker will be limited to two minutes, and speakers will not be allowed to cede time or display multimedia during their comments.

The city says to email allcouncil@coloradosprings.gov or call 719-385-5480 to sign up to speak. Officials ask that individuals provide their name, address, and whether they support or oppose the project.

The project, proposed by real estate data center company Raeden, is tied to a development plan modification for Corporate Ridge No. 1, Lot 4.

Last month, after a public meeting, the city commission decided to deny the community's appeals against the development of "Project Taurus," choosing to move forward with development. The appeals were denied with promises of modifications to the draft plan, including reviewing sound ordinances and stipulations on energy uses.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Four appeals filed against ‘Project Taurus’ data center in Colorado Springs

Two new appeals were filed against the commission's denial, placing the final decision into the hands of city council.

Those against the development of the data centers raise concerns regarding water, environmental impacts, and energy consumption. Those for the center have argued for the project's economic benefits.

Project developers have stated that they would work on mitigation efforts, including installing a 30-foot wall to reduce noise and strategically placing chillers below the wall's height.

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