Bixby officials say no data center planned
Bixby city officials have clarified that no data center project is currently planned in the city, despite a confidential email about a potential rezoning for an IT venture being leaked on Facebook. The inquiry from Gemini Capital last year did not result in a formal proposal, and city staff determined the property in question was outside city limits.
Bixby, Oklahoma city officials have issued a statement denying any current plans for a data center project within city limits. This clarification comes after a confidential email from City Manager Joey Wiedel, discussing a potential data center near Kimberly Clark and processes for annexation, rezoning, and PUD, was leaked on Facebook, leading to resident inquiries.
The city revealed that Gemini Capital, a Los Angeles-based firm active in AI technology, had contacted the Bixby Chamber of Commerce last year to inquire about property sites and development processes for a potential "information technology-related venture." The Chamber relayed the inquiry to city staff, who later determined the property was not within Bixby's city limits.
Madeline Luster, a city spokesperson, emphasized that no formal proposal for a data center has ever been submitted, nor have discussions occurred before any zoning boards, planning commissions, or elected bodies. She reiterated that no such project is under consideration by the City Council, Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, or city staff. Luster noted that the city regularly receives preliminary inquiries from various developers, which do not indicate that a project is being actively pursued or approved.