Pittsburg residents want city to pause data center project
Pittsburg residents are opposing a planned data center project by AVAIO Digital, formerly known as "Pittsburgh Technology Park," which was approved by the city council. Concerns include environmental impact, water and energy use, and noise, leading to public rallies and city-held special sessions. Despite opposition, the first phase of the project is expected to be operational next year.
Residents in Pittsburg, California, are embroiled in a heated debate over a planned data center project on the site of the former Delta View Golf Course. The project, initially introduced as "Pittsburgh Technology Park," was approved by the city in 2024, but some residents, like Amari Perkins of the "Stop Pittsburgh Data Center" group, claim they were misled about its true nature and its anchor, the Perseus Data Center, which will span 337,000 square feet.
Opposition to the project has intensified, with a rally held near Pittsburg City Hall and a special session of the city council attracting over 60 speakers. Critics voiced concerns about the data center's potential environmental impact, water and energy consumption, and noise levels. Conversely, supporters, including union workers, highlighted the job opportunities and family-sustaining construction work the project would bring.
AVAIO Digital, the developer, stated that the project received approval after years of environmental studies and reviews by multiple state regulatory agencies and the Pittsburg City Council, concluding no detrimental environmental impact. They affirmed the data center would utilize a closed-loop design with recycled water for cooling, low-noise fans, and 100% renewable energy. The city sold the property to AVAIO Digital for over $10 million and expects to receive $1.36 million annually from property taxes. The first phase is slated for operation next year, with phases two and three also planned.
Pittsburg City Manager Darren Gale acknowledged that while Phase One is approved, the timeline could still be uncertain pending official building permits. He also announced the formation of a community advisory committee to foster transparency and allow for resident input, though Perkins believes this initiative comes too late, feeling the city's handling of the project was a "slap in the face." The local opposition mirrors a broader trend in California, where a recent survey indicated significant public opposition to AI data center construction, prompting cities like San Jose to initiate community sessions on data center regulation.