Possible Modesto data center sparks questions before formal proposal is filed
Residents in Modesto, California, are raising concerns about a possible data center proposal from Northpoint Development, citing worries over water usage and increased heat. This comes as other California cities like Patterson have enacted moratoriums and Vallejo has seen protests against data center construction. The Modesto City Council and Modesto Irrigation District confirm inquiries but no formal application has been filed.
A potential data center project in Modesto, California, has sparked early questions and concerns among residents and city leaders, even before a formal proposal has been filed. Modesto City Council Member Chris Rickey indicated that Northpoint Development is actively lobbying city officials regarding such a facility. Residents, including Vanessa Gonzalez, expressed anxiety over the potential strain on local resources, particularly water, and the impact of increased heat in an already warm climate.
Modesto Mayor Sue Wallen stated she needs more information before forming an opinion, while the Modesto Irrigation District (MID) confirmed receiving inquiries from data center developers but did not specify if Northpoint was among them. MID highlighted that any large customer would need to fund a study of its energy demand and cover infrastructure costs, with a priority on protecting current ratepayers.
The situation in Modesto is set against a backdrop of similar controversies in other California cities. Patterson recently enacted a 45-day moratorium on data center development, and residents in Vallejo protested construction plans at the Solano County Fairgrounds just weeks ago. These examples underscore a growing trend of cities taking a stand on these facilities, fueling the debate in Modesto as residents call for community input and transparency from the city.