Data Center Town Hall Turns Contentious As Residents From Across The Valley Demand Answers

A community town hall meeting in Coachella, California, intended to provide answers about a proposed data center project, devolved into frustration and accusations from over 100 residents. Attendees, from across the Coachella Valley, packed the Boys & Girls Club, interrupting presentations and challenging city officials and representatives of Stronghold Power Systems Inc. The proposed Coachella Valley Technology Center Campus is a 450-acre project planned at the intersection of Fillmore Street and 52nd Avenue. Phase 1 would encompass 240 acres with three microgrids, an energy center, and three data center halls consuming 270-300 megawatts. A proposed Phase 2 would add another 210 acres and 300 megawatts. Residents raised significant concerns about water consumption, electrical demand, noise pollution, and climate impacts, citing national controversies surrounding large-scale data centers. City representatives, including Beatrice Eslamboly of CV Strategies, emphasized that no formal data center project has been approved, no environmental impact report certified, and no project application approved by the planning commission or city council. However, residents pointed to city records showing the Coachella City Council unanimously approved a Municipal Utility Development Agreement with Coachella Valley Power Services LLC, a subsidiary of Stronghold Power Systems Inc., in February. Jonathan Avila, Stronghold’s business operations director, previously described the data center as the “anchor tenant” for the future utility system and discussed timelines for construction and environmental review, stating the company was pursuing entitlements and rezoning. Stronghold CEO Scott Bailey also highlighted potential financial returns for the city. Stronghold has already purchased four parcels for Phase 1 totaling approximately $17.3 million, though the site is currently zoned for irrigated farmland, with plans to pivot to industrial use. Indio City Councilmember Oscar Ortiz, who attended the meeting, indicated he would explore policies requiring projects with high water or energy use, including data centers, to undergo a more rigorous development agreement process.