Piedmont residents oppose proposed data center at city council meeting

Piedmont, Oklahoma residents voiced strong opposition to a proposed data center during a recent packed City Council meeting. Dozens of community members filled the chamber, expressing sentiments against the development and raising concerns about increased water demand, strain on city infrastructure, changes to traffic, and potential impacts on property taxes and the local economy. Speakers urged city leaders to prioritize community input in the decision-making process. City officials from Piedmont recently visited Atlanta to tour existing data centers and assess their impact, a trip facilitated by the project's developer, Beltline. During the visit, officials gathered information and measured sound levels at operational facilities. However, some residents questioned the city's relationship with Beltline and why leaders in the nearby town of Luther declined a similar tour. The City Council did not take any formal action at the meeting. A public hearing on the proposed data center is scheduled for May 4th, where officials are expected to provide further details and address resident questions.