1,000-acre land sale sparks possibility of West Richland data center campus
Real estate company Trammell Crow has purchased 1,000 acres in West Richland, sparking rumors of a potential data center campus. While no formal proposal has been submitted, the company has been researching such a project for about a year. Residents are expressing concerns about environmental impact, property values, and resource usage, although some see potential for jobs.
Rumors of a potential data center campus in West Richland are intensifying following real estate company Trammell Crow's purchase of 1,000 acres on the privately owned Lewis and Clark Ranch property. City officials have confirmed that Trammell Crow has been researching the development of a data center campus in West Richland for approximately a year, although no formal proposal has yet been submitted to the city.
Residents like Mason Olmstead express concerns regarding the potential impact on their environment, property values, and resource consumption. Many residents were unaware of the potential development and feel they should have been informed by city officials sooner. Some are conducting their own research, noting data centers can be environmentally detrimental. The proposed project, if submitted, would undergo an intense environmental review known as SEPA, which could potentially lead to its rejection if a harmful environmental impact is anticipated.
While some residents acknowledge the potential for job creation, the primary sentiment appears to be apprehension, particularly about a large data center complex being located near residential neighborhoods. West Richland officials anticipate it could take up to a year for Trammell Crow to submit any formal proposal. The West Richland City Council is scheduled to hold a meeting next Tuesday at City Hall, where the topic may be discussed.