No data center coming to Calistoga Fairgrounds after intense backlash from residents
A proposal by Global Stack LLC to build a data center at the Calistoga Fairgrounds has been shelved due to intense community backlash and lack of city support. City officials confirmed that no data center project is moving forward in Calistoga at this time. The city is instead focusing on revitalizing a dormant golf course on the property.
A proposal by Global Stack LLC to construct a data center, parking garage, and helipad at the 70-acre Calistoga Fairgrounds will not proceed, city officials confirmed. Deputy City Manager Rachel Stepp stated on July 9 that the project "doesn't have the support needed to move forward" and that "no data center project is moving forward in Calistoga.
The concept was presented to the Calistoga Fairgrounds Advisory Committee on June 25 purely as an informational session, with no action requested or approved. However, the meeting saw dozens of community members express strong opposition, citing concerns about the data center's potential impact on regional resources.
Global Stack LLC had proposed that the Calistoga site would join a network of California fairgrounds being redeveloped with 10-megawatt data centers. While other fairgrounds, like the Cow Palace and San Mateo Event Center, are reportedly considering similar ideas for stable income and parking, the Calistoga community's backlash was definitive.
Following the rejection of the data center, the Calistoga City Council has approved a request-for-proposals process to find operators or developers for the dormant golf course on the fairgrounds property, signaling a shift in the city's revitalization plans for the site.