How neighbors say data center construction has affected Ahwatukee community
Residents in Phoenix's Ahwatukee neighborhood are criticizing Menlo Digital's nearly 1-million-square-foot data center campus, citing construction noise, dust, diesel pollution, generators and its proximity to homes. The city says the project was approved under existing zoning before a newer data center ordinance took effect, while Attorney General Kris Mayes announced an investigation and is considering a nuisance lawsuit.
Menlo Digital is constructing a five-building, nearly 1-million-square-foot data center campus on 38 acres in Ahwatukee, a Phoenix neighborhood. Nearby homeowners say construction has brought early-morning noise and heavy dust, and they are concerned about future industrial noise, diesel emissions, environmental impacts and more than 100 planned backup generators. The project also includes an electrical substation.
The City of Phoenix said the property was rezoned in 1996 and that data centers are permitted under the current zoning. Officials said the project was approved before the city adopted a data center ordinance last year, so the ordinance does not apply retroactively; no health or environmental studies were required. Residents have formed Stop the Data Center and continue to meet, while Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said her office will investigate the project and consider a nuisance lawsuit.