Amazon hosts community meeting in Gilroy to address data center concerns
Amazon held a community meeting in Gilroy, California, to address resident concerns about a data center already under construction. Residents, organized by South Valley Resistance, raised issues regarding the project's impact on local energy and water supplies, and questioned the city's permit-only approval process. The Gilroy City Council plans to review this approval procedure at an upcoming meeting, considering the addition of public hearings.
Amazon hosted a community meeting in Gilroy, California, to address concerns from local residents and the South Valley Community Resistance group regarding a data center that is currently under construction. Many residents expressed that they were unaware of the project until construction had already begun and voiced skepticism about its impact on local energy and water supplies.
Roger Wehner, Amazon's VP of Economic Development, stated that the project utilizes 100% recycled water and 100% carbon-free energy, emphasizing Amazon's adherence to all processes and its commitment to community dialogue.
A significant point of contention revolves around the city's approval process, where data centers in industrial zones can be approved via a permit process without a city council hearing or public vote. Residents like Justin Chavez highlighted the lack of transparency as a primary concern. The Gilroy City Council is scheduled to review this approval procedure at a June 15 meeting, with discussions focusing on potentially incorporating public hearings into what is currently an internal permit application process.