San Jose data center advances after pushback
The San Jose City Council unanimously rejected an appeal seeking to block a special use permit for a data center operation at 300 Holger Way in North San Jose. The facility, leased by NVIDIA from Menlo Equities, can use up to 20 megawatts of power, while opponents argued it required more extensive environmental review.
The San Jose City Council rejected an appeal from labor groups and residents who sought to overturn city planners’ approval of a special use permit for data center operations at an existing research and development building at 300 Holger Way. The permit allows interior improvements and data racks, with operations consuming up to 20 megawatts of power. Vice Mayor Pam Foley recused herself and Councilmember Peter Ortiz was absent.
NVIDIA leases the facility from Menlo Equities and uses it for chip testing and research. Opponents, represented by attorney Kelilah Federman and supported by Mothers Out Front Silicon Valley, argued the project could create noise, air pollution and infrastructure-related environmental impacts. Menlo Equities representative Erik Schoennauer and city planners said the permit covers existing operations and interior work rather than new construction, while city officials are separately developing broader rules addressing data center permitting, water use and energy consumption.