Amazon rallies support for Tri-State data center plan ahead of possible voter ban
Amazon held a public event in Trenton to promote its proposed 18-building data center complex ahead of a voter referendum that could ban data centers in the city. The company said the project would use limited cooling water, reduce utility costs and create at least 500 jobs, while opponents continued campaigning for the ban.
Amazon hosted a community information event at Edgewood Middle School in Trenton to address concerns about noise, employment, water use and energy consumption tied to its proposed complex of 18 data centers. AWS energy and water director Brandon Oyer said the facilities would use outside air for cooling most of the year and would consume water for cooling during only about 3% of the year.
The event came weeks before Trenton voters were scheduled to decide whether to amend the city charter to prohibit data centers, potentially preventing the project from moving forward. Opponents, including Amy Humbert of the Water for Charter Change PAC, attended the event while continuing to support the proposed ban. Amazon representatives said the development could employ at least 500 AWS workers, in addition to contractors, but did not say what the company would do if voters rejected the project. The debate also coincided with Mayor Ryan Perry's announcement that he would resign effective Jan. 1.