‘No data centers’: Residents protest proposed data center project
Fairfield residents protested a proposed Patmos data center, citing concerns about project transparency and a potential $150 million C-PACE financing arrangement. Mayor Herman Carnes denied that the city would assume debt or use public funds, while the City Council plans a work session and public town hall before advancing the financing program.
Residents gathered outside Fairfield City Hall to oppose the proposed Patmos data center and demand documents, financial details and clearer public communication. Protesters questioned whether a potential $150 million C-PACE financing arrangement could support the facility or leave the city responsible for debt, while Mayor Herman Carnes said the program is an optional financing tool for eligible businesses and that Fairfield funds would not be used.
The project remains under consideration despite the Fairfield City Council’s moratorium on future data centers. Gilda Walker of the Fairfield Environmental Justice Alliance said residents want the project’s costs, benefits and potential public commitments explained before decisions are made. The council has voted to hold a work session on C-PACE, and a public town hall is expected, but no dates have been announced.