City of Broken Arrow contacted about potential data center

Broken Arrow City officials have confirmed that they have been contacted regarding the potential development of a data center on a 51-acre tract of undeveloped, privately owned land located near the Creek Turnpike and Highway 51. The Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation (BAEDC) initiated contact, representing a site selector for an unnamed prospective company, requesting a pre-development meeting. City Manager Michael Spurgeon stated that it is very early in the process, but acknowledged public interest and concerns regarding potential impacts such as noise pollution, water, electricity usage, and environmental effects. He assured residents that details would be shared transparently as they become available, and explicitly stated that no non-disclosure agreements have been or will be signed by city officials or staff. The pre-development meeting, expected within a couple of months, will be an internal session with city staff to discuss zoning, development standards, and building regulations. No project approvals are made at this stage. The city and BAEDC will undertake a due diligence process, including reviewing infrastructure needs, coordinating with utility providers like the electric service provider and Rural Water District No. 4, and evaluating environmental factors. The proposed site is currently zoned Agricultural and would require rezoning to Industrial Light. This change would necessitate public hearings before the Planning Commission and subsequently the City Council. BAEDC President & CEO James Bell emphasized the corporation's role in assessing project alignment with Broken Arrow's strategic priorities and acting as a bridge between prospective companies and community leaders.