Data center site plan approved at Trenton Planning Commission

The Trenton Planning Commission has approved the site plan for a 141-acre data center project within city limits, despite the project being highly debated in the community. The commission voted 4-0 to approve the plan without questions during a Monday meeting, to the surprise and frustration of approximately 30 residents who expected an opportunity for discussion. According to city attorney Nick Ziepfel, a public hearing was not required because the land is zoned industrial, obviating the need for a zone change or conditional use permit. Residents were informed they could raise questions at Thursday's city council meeting. The site plan's approval means general construction can now commence, subject to technical approvals, with city staff recommending approval as the development meets or exceeds zoning requirements. California-based real estate company Prologis purchased the 141-acre parcel for $7.7 million in October 2025 and will develop the data center, currently referred to as "Project Mila." The plan includes four 220,353-square-foot data center buildings, a utility building, and a security building, totaling nearly 900,000 square feet. Prologis has committed to fully funding all power system upgrades and utility costs for the proposed 250-megawatt facility. The project is estimated to use up to 15.8 million gallons of water annually, primarily through a direct evaporative free-air cooling system, and could generate about $120,000 annually for the city in water, sewer, and stormwater fees. A potential 15-year, 75% Community Reinvestment Area abatement is also under consideration, which would reduce the taxable value of the buildings.