Ripley enacts one-year moratorium on data center development after contested discussion

The City of Ripley Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to enact a one-year moratorium on the permitting, zoning, construction and development of data centers in the city, following a recommendation from the planning commission. Proponents said the pause would give Ripley time to evaluate infrastructure needs, draft regulations and limit risks; opponents warned that a moratorium removes development options from the table.

At the meeting, Mr. Mammonto (described in the transcript as advising on the matter) and other speakers said cities statewide have imposed similar moratoria to study impacts and prepare ordinance safeguards. Supporters pointed to irregularities discovered by the Industrial Development Board surrounding a recent sale tied to Clean Spark that prompted closer scrutiny and recommended caution.

The discussion turned heated when board members and attendees raised questions about whether Mr. Alman’s wife received a commission or payment tied to the property transaction. The transcript records a direct, hostile exchange in which speakers accused one another and debated whether the listing and sale were authorized. Mr. Alman disputed the allegations; other board members said community members had raised concerns and asked for examination of the transaction documents.

After debate, the board took a roll-call vote on the moratorium. The motion carried.