Ahwatukee residents push back against data center project
Ahwatukee residents are pushing back against the Menlo Digital Data Center construction, citing noise, dust, and concerns about environmental impact, property value, and constant hum once operational. The city of Phoenix confirms the area is zoned for data centers and the company has received necessary permits, indicating the project will likely proceed despite community opposition.
The 12 News report highlights growing concerns among residents in Ahwatukee, a district within Phoenix, Arizona, regarding the construction of a new Menlo Digital Data Center. Homeowners living directly across the street from the 38-acre site, which will feature five two-story buildings and over 250 megawatts of power, are expressing significant dissatisfaction even before the facility becomes operational. Residents, including the Marshall family, report being woken up in the middle of the night by construction noise and experiencing "enormous amounts of dust" covering their homes and pools.
Community members, such as Ken Bojack, fear the data center will bring a constant humming sound, increase surrounding temperatures due to environmental impact studies, and negatively affect property values, fundamentally changing the "outlook of Awatuki." Many have placed protest signs in their yards, emphasizing that while they are not against data centers in general, they oppose one being built "in our backyard."
Despite the strong community pushback, the project appears set to continue. The City of Phoenix has confirmed that Menlo Digital has secured multiple necessary permits, including building permits, and that the area is appropriately zoned for data center development. The first phase of construction is expected to conclude by the end of the year.