Palm Beach County Landowners Sue Over Project Tango Data Center Development
A lawsuit has been filed in Palm Beach County, Florida, by WPB Logistics Owner against PBA Holdings, seeking to block PBAH's master plan application for Project Tango, a hyperscale AI data center. WPB Logistics claims PBAH's actions have caused delays and negative public reaction, while WPB aims to develop its own data center with administrative approval. The case involves competing visions for a 202-acre industrial site and is set against a backdrop of public hearings on zoning.
A legal dispute has escalated in Palm Beach County, Florida, between two landowners vying to develop a hyperscale AI data center project known as "Project Tango." WPB Logistics Owner, backed by Atlanta-based TPA Group, has filed an emergency injunction request against PBA Holdings in Palm Beach County Circuit Court. WPB Logistics seeks to compel PBA Holdings to withdraw its master plan application for the 202-acre industrial site, alleging that PBAH's pursuit of Project Tango has caused delays, financial harm, and subjected WPB to stricter development controls due to public opposition.
PBA Holdings' master plan application, which proposes to increase the site's buildable square footage to 3.4 million, is scheduled for a hearing before the Palm Beach County Zoning Commission on July 2, and then the County Commission on July 15. WPB Logistics argues that if PBAH's application is withdrawn, WPB could proceed with its own proposal to convert 1.2 million square feet of approved warehouse space into 1.15 million square feet of data center space through an administrative process, avoiding public hearings. This administrative path is possible because data centers are already allowed under the site's zoning.
The lawsuit also revealed details of a previously undisclosed August 2021 contract between the two parties, which included WPB's option to buy additional land from PBAH. WPB alleges PBAH violated this contract by prioritizing Project Tango. The ongoing conflict highlights significant public concern over noise, power, and water consumption, particularly from the neighboring Arden community, and underscores a broader struggle between the two powerful land investors over the future of data center development in the region. PBA Holdings project manager Ernie Cox declined to comment on the litigation but affirmed efforts to obtain approvals.