Springfield officials used Monday’s City Council meeting to set the record straight on data‑center activity in the community. City Manager Nancy Newton told councilors that the city is not engaged in any discussions with data‑center developers and that Springfield’s longstanding policy is to refuse nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) in economic‑development matters.
City manager clarifies data‑center status
When Councilor Jill Cuadros asked whether residents had concerns about data‑center projects, Newton responded, “There are not any active discussions between the city and data‑center companies or developers about putting or expanding a facility in Springfield.” She added that the city’s practice has always been to avoid NDAs, noting, “The city does not participate in nondisclosure agreements.”
Public comments focus on transparency and tax policy
Two residents spoke during the public‑comment period. Springfield resident Marissa Chizum urged the council to prohibit tax breaks or fee waivers for “zero‑job facilities” and to clearly define what qualifies as critical infrastructure, insisting that any such project should pay 100% of its upfront costs. Miguel Rivas called for an official statement confirming the city’s transparency on NDAs and the absence of data‑center negotiations.
Mayor emphasizes land constraints
Mayor Sean VanGordon explained that Springfield lacks parcels large enough for hyperscale data centers, saying, “We really don’t have land that size.” He noted the city’s ongoing search for acreage of 25 acres or more to support future growth, but acknowledged that suitable undeveloped parcels are scarce.
Infrastructure considerations
Newton warned that a data center would require significant electricity and infrastructure upgrades. “It’s not just the location, but also the infrastructure that would be required to serve that large of a need,” she said. She also pointed out that tax abatements are largely determined at the state level, and she is monitoring related legislation.
Reference to nearby data‑center impacts
Newton cited the Google data center in The Dalles, Oregon, as an example of a facility that consumes substantial resources and affects the host community. She urged councilors to prioritize projects that create family‑wage jobs and make the best use of land, aligning with Springfield’s existing employment and land‑use policies.
Other council business
In addition to the data‑center discussion, councilors addressed two local projects. Facilities manager Mike Espinoza reported that the city is seeking bids to repair deteriorating concrete on the south and west stairs of City Hall, a safety issue that currently limits stair use. Funding will come from the city’s building preservation fund, with costs to be determined after the bidding process.
Councilors also approved an intergovernmental agreement with Lane County and the city of Creswell to fund a study on expanding the metropolitan wastewater system to Creswell, Goshen, and the Short Mountain Landfill. City Engineer Stan Petroff explained that the study will evaluate whether Springfield’s Franklin‑McVay trunk line can handle additional capacity. Lane County and Creswell will each cover half of the study expenses and reimburse Springfield for staff time.
Mayor VanGordon praised the wastewater study, noting its importance for south Lane County development and housing production. “I’m glad to see this as a project,” he said.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
