Mountain Home citizens are raising alarms about a proposed data center that would occupy roughly 3.4 million square feet across four three‑story buildings at the Bennett Ranch Industrial Campus. The plan, submitted by developer Weitz & Co., also calls for on‑site power generation, backup systems and a closed‑loop cooling system designed to limit water consumption.
Zoning blocks the project
City officials confirm that, under the existing zoning code, a data center is neither a permitted nor a conditional use in any zone. Mayor Rich Sykes wrote to developer Dan Weitz on October 20, 2026, noting that the three copies of the proposal left at City Hall have not been accompanied by a land‑use application, conditional‑use permit, or building permit. “It makes me feel a whole lot better knowing that it’s just an idea right now and not something that has been approved and stamped and is going through,” said resident Christine May.
Neighbors cite water and community impact
While the developer claims the cooling system will use minimal water and references a 2005 agreement that would allow the site to connect to the municipal water system, the agreement’s specifics remain unclear. “All the money in the world will not buy you a glass of water if there isn’t any, and we have to think about that,” warned neighbor Lizabeth Braun.
Other residents question whether a facility of this size belongs in a town surrounded by homes. “I just don’t think they need to be here in Mountain Home. They can try elsewhere,” said Evan Peterson. “There are a lot of reasons why we shouldn’t have a data center in the middle of town surrounded by houses,” added May.
City officials working on zoning clarification
Mayor Sykes indicated that the city has been reviewing its zoning code since early July to define and categorize data centers. Until the code is updated, the project remains prohibited. Councilman Scott Harjo, who previously raised concerns about data‑center water use before the proposal appeared, said he wants clear answers before any developers “come knocking.”
The developer has not filed a formal application, but city staff remain open to working with Weitz & Co. once appropriate zoning provisions are in place. Residents, however, remain wary. “Just judging by their previous reactions to things, I think it probably stands a pretty good chance of getting approved,” Braun said, expressing both concern and a desire to protect the community.
What comes next?
The city will continue to evaluate the proposal against its zoning framework and water‑resource considerations. Residents are encouraged to attend upcoming planning‑commission meetings to voice their opinions and stay informed about any changes to the code that could affect the project’s viability.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.
