Possible data center raises questions about San Diego’s NAVWAR redevelopment | NBC 7 San Diego
A possible 400-megawatt data center is being considered as part of the redevelopment of the Navy’s aging NAVWAR communications site near San Diego’s Old Town. Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera opposes replacing planned housing with a facility he says could create cost, environmental and power impacts, while the developer says several uses remain under consideration and no agreements have been reached.
Manchester Financial Group is considering multiple uses for the NAVWAR redevelopment site, including a data center, alongside housing, retail, entertainment, university, defense and life-science facilities. The potential data center could have a capacity of about 400 megawatts, while public plans currently describe a mixed-use project with thousands of homes and a new 1.5-million-square-foot cyber and communications facility replacing the Navy’s aging campus.
San Diego City Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera said the property should prioritize housing for military members, veterans and public servants rather than a privately profitable data center. His concerns include the project’s cost, environmental effects, impact on housing and substantial electricity needs. Manchester Financial CEO Ted Eldridge said the development team held early informational discussions with San Diego Gas & Electric and San Diego Community Power, but no negotiations or agreements are underway; San Diego Community Power likewise characterized its contact with the developer as consultation about a hypothetical project.