Council advances motion to remove data centers from light business zoning, affecting former McGinness property

Councilman Ethan Byers introduced a motion to remove data centers from the list of permitted uses under light business zoning.

JOE LINTNER | COLUMBIA SPY 

At Tuesday night's council meeting, Councilman Ethan Byers introduced a motion to remove data centers from the list of permitted uses under light business zoning. The change could potentially prevent a data center from being built on the former McGinness Airfield property. The motion received a second from Councilman Tom Ziegler before the 4 to 3 vote in favor of the motion. 

The proposal sparked discussion among council members, including some pointed exchanges. Councilman Kelly Murphy raised concerns that the motion hadn't gone through the proper legislative process. Byers pushed back, arguing that as a councilman, he himself represents part of that legislative process, and that crafting legislation isn't the sole responsibility of any one council member.

While the motion is being viewed as an early win for residents opposed to a data center at the site, the issue is far from settled. The proposal must still move through planning review at the municipal and county levels before returning to council for a final vote.

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