Will San Jose protect 500+ acres around former IBM site?
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is seeking permanent conservation protections for 565 acres of open space surrounding the former IBM Almaden Research Center, which Blackstart Digital is acquiring for data center redevelopment. The proposed project would use the existing 35-acre industrial park, but residents and environmental advocates remain concerned about wildlife, noise, water use, energy demand and utility costs.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is working with Councilmember George Casey to secure a permanent conservation easement for 565 acres of open space surrounding the former IBM Almaden Research Center in Coyote Valley. Blackstart Digital is acquiring the existing 35-acre industrial park and says it does not plan to develop the surrounding open space or expand beyond the current industrial footprint.
Residents and environmental advocates, including Green Foothills, continue to raise concerns about impacts on wildlife, noise, pollution, water use and electricity demand. The property was rezoned by the San Jose City Council in August, while the city is developing data center standards expected to be adopted in December. Mahan said he wants stringent requirements, including clean energy and recycled or closed-loop water systems.