Residents protest planned data center at Pittsburg City Hall in Contra Costa County
Residents in Pittsburg, Contra Costa County, protested a planned data center, demanding the City Council pause the project. Concerns focus on potential impacts to power demand and water usage, despite the project's approval last year. The mayor has scheduled a special meeting to discuss data centers further.
Dozens of Pittsburg residents protested at City Hall, demanding the City Council halt a data center project previously approved last year. Led by figures like Amhari Perkins, who initiated an online petition, demonstrators cited concerns over the project's impact on power and water resources. The proposed data center, developed by Avaio Digital as part of Pittsburg’s Technology Park at the former Delta View Golf Course, was approved despite many residents claiming they only learned about it recently.
City leaders defended the project, highlighting its potential for job creation and tax revenue, and stated that an environmental review has been completed, confirming it will be air-cooled and use mostly recycled water. While some speakers supported the facility for its employment opportunities, opponents like Perkins emphasized fears about power consumption and noise.
Although the data center was not a formal agenda item, the large turnout filled council chambers, prompting the mayor to announce a dedicated City Council meeting on August 3 to address data center issues. Meanwhile, city officials confirmed the developer has not yet announced when construction will begin.