Project Tango Heads Toward July 15 Showdown Despite County Moratorium
Palm Beach County Commission enacted a moratorium on future AI data center projects, but Project Tango, a controversial data center, is exempt and scheduled for a final county vote on July 15. The County Zoning Commission unanimously recommended against Project Tango, citing concerns over its classification as light vs. heavy industrial use and impacts on residents and resources. Strong community opposition and a legal dispute involving a partner company are also ongoing.
The Palm Beach County Commission has enacted a moratorium on all future AI data center projects, effective July 7. However, the Central Park Commerce Center, known as Project Tango, remains exempt from this ban and is slated for a final decision by the commissioners on July 15, with potential court action if denied.
Palm Beach County Mayor Sara Baxter has recused herself from the upcoming vote due to previously stated opposition, though she plans to attend in support of her District 6 constituents, near whose homes and an elementary school Project Tango is located. The Palm Beach County Zoning Commission unanimously recommended against the project on July 2, questioning if a hyperscale AI data center still qualifies as light industrial use, as originally permitted in 2016. Detractors argue its scale and operational impacts, including 24/7 servers, cooling systems, and backup generators, make it heavy industrial.
PBA Holdings, the property owner, presented a revised site plan to reduce the data center component from 1.8 million to 1-1.3 million square feet and incorporate buffers. Despite these changes, over 100 residents, teachers, and environmental advocates voiced strong opposition, citing concerns about noise, environmental impact, property values, and strain on local power and water resources. The Zoning Commission ultimately denied the project, finding it inconsistent with the county's comprehensive plan and land development code.
Adding to the complexity, PBA Holdings is involved in litigation with WPB Logistics, a partner developing a separate warehouse and office complex, which claims the data center expansion infringes on a land-sharing agreement and has sought a court order to halt PBA's zoning request.