Marana’s Roadblocks for Data Centers: Pima Supes Set to Appoint New Constable

This week, two key meetings involving elected leaders in Tucson may impact the region significantly. In Marana, the Town Council is addressing concerns over data centers, which have become focal points for debate due to their substantial energy consumption and environmental effects.

Data centers, essential for cloud storage, cryptocurrency mining, and artificial intelligence processing, require vast amounts of electricity. Critics argue that they contribute to climate change, degrade local air quality, and generally disrupt neighborhoods, often with limited job creation due to remote operations.

The Marana council plans to revise zoning regulations to require a formal rezoning process for any proposed data centers. This initiative aims to separate data centers into two distinct categories, altering their current status as “zoning by right.” Primary data center facilities will now need a change in land-use designation, while accessory data centers can only be located in existing industrial areas and will face restrictions on resource consumption.

This move reflects a broader unease regarding technological development even in traditionally conservative areas like Marana. As residents grapple with the implications of rapid technological advancement, the council’s actions signal a growing scrutiny of such infrastructures.

In tandem, the Pima County Board of Supervisors will decide on critical local governance issues. One key item on the agenda is the replacement of a constable in the West Side’s 9th precinct. With only two qualified candidates remaining after residency checks, their backgrounds are under review.

Matthew Leve brings extensive law enforcement experience from his time with the Pascua Yaqui tribal police, while Gerard Acuna, despite his varied career, lacks direct qualifications for the constable role. His interests in conflict resolution and community support may appeal to board members, paving the way for a different approach to law enforcement duties.

The board will also consider a substantial increase to the supply contract for the Pima County Animal Care Center. This change, aimed at accommodating enhanced care programs and a mobile medical unit, reflects the growing demands on animal services.

In health policy, the board must approve a partnership deal with the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System aimed at providing more effective treatment options for incarcerated individuals, extending support through 2025.

Lastly, the board will ratify four racing dates at Turf Paradise scheduled for January, furthering the area’s recreational offerings.

Meanwhile, downtown Tucson may see an expansion in its music scene. Local promoter Charlie Levy seeks Rio Nuevo’s assistance for a new venue at 123 S. Stone Ave., intending to combine dining, live music, and a boutique hotel. This proposal comes amid a surge in interest for music venues across the city.

During its meeting, the Rio Nuevo Multipurpose Facilities District Board will explore funding options from its sales tax revenue. Tapping into this budget could support Levy’s aspirations and bolster Tucson’s cultural landscape.

As these discussions unfold, the decisions made in the coming days may shape Tucson’s economic and cultural future significantly.