Family living next to proposed Piedmont-area data center fears impact as zoning decision remains pending
Residents in Piedmont, Oklahoma, are expressing significant concerns about a proposed data center development by Cloverleaf, citing potential impacts on their quality of life and property values. The Piedmont City Council is currently deliberating a rezoning request for the project, with a decision still pending as of Monday night. Meanwhile, citizens have submitted a petition for a data center moratorium.
A family living in far northwest Piedmont, Oklahoma, fears the potential impact of a proposed data center development on their rural lifestyle and property value. Orson and Amy Barney, who live near Richland and Moffat roads, are among residents raising concerns about noise, lighting, traffic, and the impact on local property values.
Developer Cloverleaf, through its chief development officer Aaron Bilyeu, stated it controls over 1,000 acres in the Piedmont area and has acquired rights to an additional 337 acres in neighboring Kingfisher County. Bilyeu indicated that a data center would be built in the Piedmont area regardless of the city council's decision, either within Piedmont city limits or in unincorporated Kingfisher County.
The Piedmont City Council is currently considering a rezoning request for the project, marking its third discussion, with no decision made as of Monday night. Residents have also submitted a citizen-led petition urging city leaders to consider a data center moratorium, an outright ban, or voter-approved guidelines for future developments. Cloverleaf officials highlight economic benefits, including over 1,000 construction jobs and 300 permanent jobs, plus an estimated $13 million annually in tax revenue. The company has also proposed infrastructure improvements and limitations on water use, including a closed-loop system, if the project proceeds within Piedmont.