Denver's Elyria-Swansea battles new CoreSite data center amid environmental and community concerns

Denver's Elyria-Swansea neighborhood is battling the construction of a new CoreSite data center, citing concerns over environmental harm and lack of community consultation. Lead organizer Alfonso Espino says the facility threatens a community already burdened by pollution. CoreSite has not disclosed details on energy, water, and generator plans. Residents delivered a "Good Neighbor" proposal with transparency demands, but CoreSite did not attend a recent community meeting, citing safety concerns. Former City Council member Candi CdeBaca called the development an example of exploiting communities of color. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston announced support for a moratorium on new data centers to establish regulations, though this would not affect the ongoing CoreSite project. Energy analyst Morey Wolfson warned the planned data centers could consume as much power as the entire city of Boulder.