Data center being proposed in Broken Arrow

Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, city officials have confirmed a proposal for a new data center on the city's east side. City Manager Michael Spurgeon stated that a site selector initiated a pre-development meeting with city planners regarding a potential 51-acre data center at 8521 S. 209th East Ave. Spurgeon clarified that these internal meetings are for initial information exchange and do not authorize any project approval. The City Manager emphasized that the process is in its very early stages, with the prospective data center company remaining unidentified, and no discussions about city incentives or economic development agreements have taken place. He assured residents that information would be shared as details emerge. Spurgeon acknowledged significant public interest and concerns regarding potential impacts such as noise pollution, and the usage of water and electricity. If the project advances, a request to rezone the land to industrial light would require public hearings before both the Broken Arrow Planning Commission and the City Council, who would make the final decision. The city and the Broken Arrow Economic Development Corp. are beginning due diligence, including reviewing infrastructure needs, coordinating with utility providers, and evaluating environmental factors and public safety.