Residents press Ottawa City Commission for clarity on Lightfield Energy deal, petition to ban hyperscale data centers

Dozens of residents used the commission's public-comment period to press elected officials to disclose the status of a proposed Lightfield Energy project and to ask the commission to refuse any further extensions to the company.

"You're trusting to regulators to safeguard the city and pressing onward despite our numerous and loud objections," said Chris Mays, who urged the commission to reconsider extensions for Lightfield. Multiple speakers cited Section 5(a) of the purchase-and-sale contract, which they said required Lightfield to notify the city in writing by Aug. 1 whether it would proceed, decline the purchase or issue no notice, which would terminate the contract.

Scott Yergan, who identified himself as a resident, asked the commission and counsel in the meeting to state which of the contract's three options Lightfield chose. "I respectfully request that the commission or its counsel, who's not here tonight, tell me now in this forum which of these three options Lightfield chose," Yergan said.

Speakers raised environmental and economic concerns tied to hyperscale data centers: possible long-term water use and impacts on wells, air emissions, chemical waste from closed-loop cooling systems, limited long-term local employment and the role of nondisclosure agreements. "I am very concerned about the water situation," said Deanna Kimes, who said she lives 400 feet from the proposed site and warned the project could lower the water table for neighboring wells.

Several commenters announced direct civic action. Michael Lewis said volunteers collected 1,031 signatures to bring an ordinance banning hyperscale data centers to the city's desk; he said the measure will be circulated to the commission in the coming days or weeks. Residents asked the commission to report back with the city's legal interpretation of the Aug. 1 contractual deadline and to place an update on a near-term meeting agenda.

The commission did not provide an immediate substantive update during the meeting; the mayor and city manager said they would consult counsel and aim to report back at a future meeting. Residents in the room left urging follow-up and greater transparency about negotiations and any NDAs that limit public disclosure.