Modesto residents pack City Council meeting, call for ban on AI data centers
Modesto residents packed a City Council meeting to oppose new data centers, particularly an AI data center proposed by NorthPoint Development. Despite assurances that current zoning prohibits large data centers, residents expressed distrust and called for a moratorium or outright ban due to concerns about energy, water, and potential corruption. The City Council is now exploring a moratorium.
Modesto, California residents filled a City Council meeting Tuesday night to voice strong opposition against proposed data center developments, particularly an AI data center project put forward by NorthPoint Development. Approximately 50 individuals spoke during public comment, many calling for an immediate moratorium or complete ban on such facilities within city limits, citing concerns about energy, water, and lack of transparency.
Mayor Sue Zwahlen attempted to reassure the public by stating that current city zoning ordinances prohibit large data centers and would require amendments from both the Planning Commission and City Council to allow them. However, residents, including some who marched from an anti-surveillance demonstration, pointed to two existing smaller data centers owned by Lumen Technologies and Ayera Technologies, questioning how they were permitted under current codes.
City officials clarified that these smaller facilities are integrated into existing buildings and do not strain resources, unlike the larger-scale data centers being proposed. In response to the outcry, Mayor Zwahlen indicated that city staff are not only not working on zoning amendments to allow data centers but are actively exploring the need for a moratorium. Councilmembers Eric Alvarez and Chris Ricci publicly supported the idea of a moratorium, with Ricci advocating for an outright ban on AI data centers due to concerns over energy and water consumption and impact on residential rates.
Carolyn Neumann of the Stanislaus County Taxpayer Association warned of potential political corruption and developers' deceptive practices, referencing similar issues nationwide. The public's sentiment, fueled by a prior dispute over a protest mask ban, revealed a deep-seated distrust in the council, with residents demanding protection for their valley from what they described as "garbage."