Palm Beach County officials vote not to hire data center consultant, for now
Palm Beach County commissioners voted 4-1 against hiring Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. to advise on data center impacts including noise, electricity use and water consumption. The county has enacted a one-year data center moratorium, while an earlier approval for two Project Tango buildings near Arden remains in place.
Palm Beach County commissioners voted 4-1 at a zoning public hearing in West Palm Beach not to hire Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. for up to $225,000 to develop data center regulations and environmental and community impact standards. Commissioner Marci Woodward supported hiring the consultant, while Commissioner Sara Baxter called the expense unnecessary; Commissioners Joel Flores and Maria Sachs said outside expertise could help guide decisions.
Residents opposing data centers criticized the proposed consultant and urged officials to involve the public. The county’s one-year moratorium remains in effect, but it does not invalidate existing approvals. Commissioners previously rejected a major expansion of Project Tango near the Arden community, while approval for two 100,000-square-foot buildings remains active. Commissioners are scheduled to discuss a resident task force and other consultant options at a November zoning hearing.