SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones is pushing for stricter regulations on data centers and a greater investment in neighborhood improvements as City Council prepares for major discussions on both issues Thursday.
During her weekly interview, Jones outlined concerns about data centers being built near residential neighborhoods, while also defending her priorities for the city’s proposed $442 million bond program.
Mayor calls for tougher data center regulations
Jones said she recently visited a data center near a residential area and was troubled by how close its diesel generators were to a neighborhood playground and swimming pool.
“We were all of 650 feet from a playground, and similarly a swimming pool,” Jones said.
The mayor said her approach to regulating data centers centers on three priorities: transparency, protecting public health and preserving property values.
While acknowledging the growing demand for computing power, particularly in a city with a significant military and cybersecurity presence, Jones said that growth should not come at the expense of nearby residents.
We need this computing power,” Jones said. “But we also need to do those three things when it comes to quality of life for our folks.
Among the proposals Jones wants City Council to consider are requiring council approval for data center permits, notifying residents 45 days before developers submit applications and holding at least two public meetings in affected neighborhoods.
She also supports requiring data centers to be at least 1,000 feet from residential areas, addressing noise concerns and requiring developers to replace twice the amount of green space removed during construction.
Jones wants backup diesel generators enclosed and properly ventilated to help reduce noise and air pollution.
Another concern is how much electricity and water data centers consume. Although Jones acknowledged that state law limits the city’s ability to require companies to disclose that information, she wants developers to voluntarily share those figures with residents.
The mayor also believes companies should explain what benefits their projects would bring to San Antonio, potentially through investments in parks, education or other community improvements.
City Council is expected to discuss the proposed regulations Thursday.
$442 million bond debate focuses on neighborhood needs
Jones also addressed disagreements over the city’s proposed $442 million bond program, which would eventually go before voters.
The mayor said she was pleased that the proposed amount remained at $442 million, a figure she supports because she does not want the bond program to require a property tax increase.
She also expressed support for directing a larger share of the funding toward council districts 1 through 5, which she said have historically received less investment.
However, Jones raised concerns about $35 million proposed for downtown infrastructure improvements.
She argued that those projects could instead be funded through the city’s $2.1 billion Project Finance Zone funding associated with the proposed downtown sports and entertainment district, including the arena, convention center and Alamodome.
“If we only have $442 million to spend from people’s property taxes, why would we use any of that money on something that can be paid for from the PFZ?” Jones asked.
The mayor said redirecting that $35 million would allow the city to invest more heavily in neighborhood streets, sidewalks and parks.
Jones also opposes using bond money for outside organizations, including the proposed arboretum and the San Antonio Botanical Garden.
She argued that those organizations have fundraising opportunities that residents seeking repairs to deteriorating neighborhood infrastructure do not.
“We need to prioritize community needs over some of these interests, where frankly they can go fundraise,” Jones said.
Mayor raises concerns about military spouses facing deportation
Before the interview ended, Jones briefly addressed concerns about military spouses going through the immigration process.
She criticized federal immigration enforcement actions affecting military families and called on residents to consider the issue when voting.
“It’s shameful. It’s ridiculous,” Jones said, urging voters to support candidates who respect service members and their families.
The mayor also reminded residents that early voting is underway, with polling locations open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday this week.
City Council is expected to continue discussions on both the proposed data center regulations and the bond program Thursday.