County staff recommends moving forward with controversial AI data center in western PBC
Palm Beach County planning staff have recommended approval for Project Tango, a proposed AI data center, with conditions to address resident concerns over water use and noise. This controversial project will now be considered by the Zoning Commission before a final decision by the Board of County Commissioners. The developer has already revised the proposal to reduce data center space.
Palm Beach County planning staff have recommended moving forward with Project Tango, a controversial AI data center proposed for western Palm Beach County, Florida. Ahead of a Zoning Commission meeting, staff stated the proposal meets county zoning rules, provided the developer adheres to a comprehensive list of conditions.
The project has faced months of opposition from nearby residents, who have voiced concerns regarding the facility's extensive water consumption, potential noise levels, and its proximity to residential areas and Saddle View Elementary School. The Palm Beach County School Board has also expressed reservations about potential impacts on students and staff.
The county's recommendation includes requirements such as limiting water use to 100,000 gallons per day, mandating updated noise studies prior to construction and annual monitoring post-operation, implementing additional landscaping and berms for buffering, and enhancing safety measures for the project's battery storage systems. The developer has already adjusted the proposal, reducing data center space while increasing warehouse space, resulting in a slightly smaller overall project. The Zoning Commission is set to review the proposal on Thursday, July 2, and will issue a recommendation, with the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners holding the final authority at a subsequent public hearing.