Piedmont planning commission encourages city council to deny data center proposal
The Piedmont Planning Commission has recommended denial of Project Open Sky, a proposed 630-acre data center campus by Cloverleaf, citing residents' concerns about water infrastructure, electricity, and environmental impact. The commission also tabled a separate application from BLE Landholdings. These recommendations will now go to the City Council for a final decision.
The Piedmont Planning Commission has voted to recommend denial of Cloverleaf's Project Open Sky, a proposed 630-acre data center campus, following significant community opposition. The commission advised the Piedmont City Council to reject the Planned Unit Development (PUD) application and annexation request, citing numerous concerns raised by dozens of residents at a recent meeting.
Residents expressed anxieties regarding the strain data centers could place on the city's already struggling water infrastructure and the electric grid. Environmental impacts, including potential decimation of ecosystems and decreased biodiversity, were also highlighted by a local veterinarian. Aaron Bilyeu, chief development officer for Cloverleaf Infrastructure, countered these claims by stating the data center would use a closed-loop water cooling system and committed to funding necessary infrastructure improvements.
Additionally, the Planning Commission recommended further studies on the city's future industrial land use strategy. Another PUD application from BLE Landholdings was tabled at the applicant's request. Piedmont City Manager Joshua Williams emphasized the commission's commitment to thoughtful and transparent decision-making, ensuring community interests are prioritized. The recommendations will now move to the City Council for review, with a potential meeting as early as June 22.