Palm Beach County zoning board recommends denial of Project Tango data center

The Palm Beach County Zoning Commission has unanimously recommended the denial of "Project Tango," a proposed massive data center and warehouse complex. This decision came after hours of emotional public comment from dozens of residents who packed the meeting, many wearing "no to Project Tango" shirts. The project, which includes over one million square feet of data center space, was planned for the Central Park Commerce Center west of the L-8 Canal, near the Arden community and Saddle View Elementary School.

Residents raised a multitude of concerns, including noise pollution, water usage, increased traffic, and fire safety. They also questioned whether Palm Beach County fully comprehends the extensive impacts of modern hyperscale AI data centers before allowing such a development near homes and a school. One resident notably compared living next to an AI data center to living next to a toxic waste dump.

The unanimous vote by the Zoning Commission contradicts the county staff's prior recommendation for approval. Commissioners debated whether a hyperscale AI data center should be classified as "light industrial" or "heavy industrial," with the latter implying stricter regulations. The chairman stated the board lacked sufficient information to make that distinction. While a major setback for the project, the Zoning Commission's decision is only a recommendation; the final determination will be made by the Palm Beach County Commission.