Gilroy residents raise concerns over Amazon data center proposal
Gilroy residents expressed frustration and concern over a proposed Amazon data center, citing a lack of community input and an outdated zoning ordinance that allowed approval with one signature. Although the city is forming a planning committee to ensure local voices are heard, residents are dissatisfied with the proposed recommendations and vow to continue their opposition.
Dozens of Gilroy residents gathered to voice concerns over a proposed Amazon data center, with many expressing frustration over what they perceived as a lack of community input. Residents claimed the data center was approved with a single signature due to an outdated zoning ordinance, suggesting the community had no real say in the decision.
City leaders, including a councilmember, shared some of these concerns, describing the approval of a 15,000 square foot building going a mile up outside the city as "completely unreasonable" in terms of economic development. They advocated for establishing clear and consistent objectives and design standards for new projects, which should consider community needs, economic development, energy use, environmental impact, public health, and neighborhood quality of life.
In an effort to address these issues, the City of Gilroy is creating a planning committee. This committee aims to ensure local voices are heard and that any large project requiring an environmental impact review will be presented to the Planning Commission for public input. However, residents were not appeased, stating that the city passed the "weakest version" of the recommendation, which still did not meet their expectations. They affirmed their intention to continue attending public meetings to advocate for their concerns.