Data center debate reaches east Tulsa, where residents question what’s coming

Residents of east Tulsa are raising significant concerns about Project Anthem, a proposed hyperscale data center development on 375 acres, with plans for a potential expansion. Cheyenna Morgan, an Indigenous resident, has emerged as a vocal critic, expressing worries about the project's impact on local land, water resources, energy consumption, and the overall aesthetics of the Fair Oaks community. These concerns include potential overuse of city water, increased pollution, and rising utility costs for residents. The developer and the end-user of Project Anthem remain undisclosed, with some city officials, including Councilor Christian Bengel, having signed non-disclosure agreements. Despite the Tulsa City Council enacting a nine-month moratorium on new data center developments, Project Anthem is exempt as its initial phase is already underway. However, an upcoming vote to rezone an additional 375 acres for expansion is a focal point of contention. The Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission recently recommended delaying this rezoning decision, pushing a hearing to April 1st, where residents will have another opportunity to voice their opinions before it proceeds to the City Council. Community organizers like Linda Allegro and Joseph Bañuelos are mobilizing residents, particularly the Hispanic community, to actively oppose the project, arguing it offers no local benefits and poses significant harm. Electrical engineer Buchanan Dowling also warned of "hell" for nearby residents due to noise and generators from an expanded facility. Councilor Bengel, while supporting the moratorium, advocates for deliberate, fact-based discussions rather than emotional reactions to data center proposals.