Monterey Park data center

Hundreds of residents in Monterey Park, California, packed City Hall to protest a proposed 250,000-square-foot data center by developer HMC StratCap, leading to a significant victory for community activists. The project had been moving through the city's planning process for two years without widespread public knowledge, sparking outrage among residents who organized a grassroots campaign, 'No Data Center Monterey Park.' Their efforts culminated in a City Council meeting where, after nearly 80 residents spoke out against the proposal, the council unanimously approved a 45-day moratorium on data center development. More notably, the council committed to drafting an ordinance during this period that would enact an outright ban on data centers in the city, pending a future vote. Residents expressed concerns about massive energy demands, pollution from diesel backup generators, and noise from cooling equipment, despite the developer's claims of tax revenue, job creation, and efficient cooling technology. The developer, HMC StratCap, plans to conduct outreach to residents, while activists like Steven J. Kung, who helped lead the campaign, vowed to continue their efforts to ensure the permanent ban is approved.