After the no vote: Teachers and residents question Project Tango's future
Palm Beach County commissioners rejected a plan to expand "Project Tango," a hyperscale AI data center, after a 12-hour debate and significant community opposition. While the expansion was denied, an older, smaller site plan for data centers and warehouses on the same property near Arden and Saddle View Elementary School remains approved, and the project manager intends to continue working on the development.
Palm Beach County commissioners voted to reject the expansion plan for "Project Tango," a hyperscale AI data center, following a 12-hour marathon meeting. The proposal sought to expand the site from approximately 2 million to nearly 3.6 million square feet near homes and Arden and Saddle View Elementary School.
Despite the denial, an older, smaller site plan for the 203-acre industrial site remains approved. This earlier plan permits two 100,000 square foot data centers, a large warehouse, and an office. The developer could proceed with this approved plan, seek staff approval to rework the site within existing limits, or redesign and resubmit the expansion plan since the denial was "without prejudice."
Residents, teachers, and students voiced significant opposition, highlighting concerns about the project's proximity to homes and schools. They emphasized the need to protect students and preserve peace in residential areas. Project manager Ernie Cox expressed his determination to continue working on the project, stating, "I don't know how to quit."
The future of the site remains uncertain, with county records showing other proposed site plans within the existing 2 million square foot limit, but the specific next steps are unclear.