Amazon data center project in Gilroy upsets locals
Gilroy residents and an advocacy group are challenging an Amazon data center project, alleging violations of the California Subdivision Map Act and raising environmental and water concerns. While the city maintains no violations occurred, it has committed to greater community engagement for future large projects. Amazon states the project followed approval processes and is engaging with residents.
An Amazon data center under construction in Gilroy is facing significant opposition from a local transparency group, Americans for Transparency, and residents. Led by Georgine Scott-Codiga, the group filed a formal demand with Gilroy officials, alleging that the land where the data center is being built violated the California Subdivision Map Act due to an illegally created parcel.
Scott-Codiga also raised concerns about the environmental impact of over 25 planned diesel-powered generators in a high-pollution zone, as well as the data center's excessive water usage, arguing that the project offers limited job creation. City Administrator Matt Morley and City Attorney Andrew Faber, however, maintain that the city conducted due diligence and found no violations, stating that a 2020 lot line adjustment, which the city engineer approved, did not create new parcels.
Despite the city's reassurances, Scott-Codiga remains unconvinced. Mayor Greg Bozzo acknowledged community calls for greater engagement, announcing that the city council approved new policies on August 17. These changes mandate community meetings for new commercial projects over 15,000 square feet, mailed notices to nearby residents, and require projects needing environmental impact reports to go before the Planning Commission for public hearings, ending administrative approvals for such large-scale developments.
Amazon spokesperson Adrienne Talbot affirmed the project followed standard approval processes for its industrially zoned parcel, representing a $2 billion investment expected to generate $40 million in tax revenue over a decade and create 90 on-site jobs. Talbot also highlighted Amazon's commitment to community engagement, land conservation, water replenishment, 100% carbon-free energy, and 100% recycled water use by 2030, while covering all infrastructure costs.