Piedmont delays decision on data center; neighboring city opposes proposal too
The Piedmont City Council delayed a decision on a proposed data center by Cloverleaf until September, following a packed meeting where residents expressed concerns about water usage and noise. Meanwhile, in nearby Yukon, a petition was greenlighted that would require a public vote on all future data center projects within city limits.
The Piedmont City Council has postponed its vote on a controversial data center proposal by developer Cloverleaf until September, amidst strong community opposition. During a recent meeting, Cloverleaf representatives addressed concerns regarding the facility's water demands, stating a need for 75,000 gallons per day initially and nearly 4 million gallons total to fill the system, after which it would switch to a closed-loop system. The company also offered to fund a new water tower to improve local infrastructure and pledged to meet strict noise standards.
The council's decision to delay came after hours of discussion with Cloverleaf and residents, many of whom raised further questions. Cloverleaf indicated that if Piedmont rejects the project, they plan to pursue development on hundreds of acres they acquired in neighboring Kingfisher County.
Simultaneously, about ten miles south in Yukon, a petition drive has been launched to mandate public votes on all data center projects within city limits. Charles Scott, the petition leader, emphasized that the amendment would apply to any future data center, not just one currently being planned. The petition was approved to begin collecting 162 verified signatures within 90 days to appear on the next municipal election ballot, aiming for April.