LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Boulder City Planning Commission denied a developer’s application for a controversial AI data center after more than three hours of public opposition Wednesday night.
The commission voted against the Townsite Solar 2 project following a presentation from the developer and extensive public comment but the vote was not unanimous.
Dozens of residents spoke during public comment, with many urging the commission to reject the proposal.
“Let’s just set down the hammer. Absolutely everyone has said they don’t want this,” one resident said.
Before the meeting, protesters gathered outside city hall. Some carried signs opposing the data center, and one dog wore a “No Data Center” shirt.
Kendra Dyson, a Boulder City resident, said she wanted to prioritize community concerns.
“I think history has taught us that a lot of corporations will always put profit over people,” Dyson said. “And here in this community, I want to put the people first.”
Kat Destasio, another resident, raised concerns about heat from the proposed facility.
“When we asked about more heat, their response was, ‘Oh, don’t worry, the heat’s going to go straight up in the air, kind of like the Luxor light’ and that is not accurate. Our wind mostly blows from where the data center will be,” Destasio said.
The developer presented amended plans after rounds of community feedback, but the commission voted to deny the application.
“This is one of the hottest topics in the country… This town is not ready, it is not,” said Lorene Krumm, chair of the Boulder City Planning Commission.
The developer could reapply, but the current plan will not move forward to the city council.
Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.
