Future of proposed massive data center in Piedmont up for city council discussion
The Piedmont City Council is set to discuss Project Open Sky, a proposed data center campus that could include up to six buildings. Residents have voiced strong opposition, primarily due to concerns about water usage. Cloverleaf, the developer, stated they would move the project to Kingfisher, Oklahoma, if Piedmont rejects the proposal.
The Piedmont City Council is on the verge of making a significant decision regarding Project Open Sky, a large-scale data center campus that could feature up to six facilities. The proposal is a key item for discussion during Monday's city council meeting, where residents have already expressed considerable opposition.
A primary concern for many local towns, including Piedmont, is the potential impact on water usage. However, Cloverleaf CEO David Berry addressed these worries, explaining that their data centers utilize a closed-loop cooling system, similar to an air conditioner, which avoids the constant intake of new water. Despite this, community members have pushed back, citing both water and noise impacts.
Should the Piedmont City Council vote against the data center, Cloverleaf officials have already secured control of additional acreage in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. Berry confirmed that the project would proceed in Kingfisher if Piedmont does not approve it, ensuring the development moves forward regardless of Piedmont's decision.