Palm Beach County rejects data center project, existing approval remains
Palm Beach County commissioners rejected "Project Tango," a proposed AI data center and warehouse complex, following resident opposition. While the specific proposal was denied, an older, less restrictive approval for data center and warehouse space at the same Commerce Center site remains active. Any future applications by the developer for the site would be subject to new AI rules recently set by the county.
Palm Beach County commissioners voted 5-1 to reject "Project Tango," a proposed AI data center and warehouse development. Although residents from various Palm Beach County communities were pleased with the rejection of the specific Project Tango proposal, there was also disappointment because an earlier, less restrictive approval for a data center at the same site remains in effect.
The 202-acre "Commerce Center" site had been approved in 2016 for 2.2 million square feet of data center space and 1.2 million square feet of warehouse space. This original approval did not include the "guardrails" or sound limits that were part of the more recent Project Tango proposal. Commissioner Mari, who voted against Project Tango, highlighted that an AI data center, even with additional stipulations, might not be consistent with the community's environmental impacts.
Ernie Cox, representing the developer of Project Tango, stated via email that they are still committed to meeting the region's growing data center needs and are exploring their options. While the commissioners denied Project Tango without prejudice, allowing the developer to reapply, any future proposals would need to comply with new "AI rules" recently established by Palm Beach County.