Data center zoning regulations

Works in biomedical informatics; praised the noise limits and buffers as progress but flagged a major gap — grid-powered AI facilities pulling hundreds of megawatts would still qualify for M-1, and the ordinance ignores water use and whether facilities benefit the community.

Argued that when power fails, generators will run for long stretches and 300 feet won't absorb the noise and pollution; urged the parish to make sure data centers are placed right and actually benefit residents.

A local investor in Esperanza Business Park who initially spoke about the moratorium before being redirected; urged the parish to welcome data centers with smart regulation, citing Richland Parish's $90 million Meta pilot and lower tax and utility burdens.

An illustrator who says generative AI cost her her livelihood; asked what penalties exist if data centers break the new rules — whether fines would just be a cost of doing business.

Said she's worried about bringing more AI and data centers to the parish, arguing heavy industrial investments have been poisoning the community and urging leaders to consider residents at a human level.