Why Arizona is now a hotspot for data center construction, and what residents want to change
Arizona’s Phoenix-area data center boom is drawing concern over its impact on power, water and nearby communities. Glendale residents are opposing Project Eagle, while Peoria officials are considering zoning changes and additional oversight for future data center developments; Glendale’s council is expected to vote on the project’s annexation and rezoning applications on October 27.
Data center construction is expanding across the Phoenix area, fueled by inexpensive land, tax incentives, proximity to Western technology markets and access to infrastructure. Arizona has 160 existing or proposed facilities, according to DataCenterMap.com, but the projects’ substantial electricity and water needs are generating concern among residents and local officials.
In Glendale, resident April Butler and neighbors are opposing Project Eagle, also known as Project Baccara, a proposed three-building data center development near Olive Avenue and Loop 303. A final Glendale City Council vote on the project’s land annexation and rezoning applications was scheduled for Oct. 27. In Peoria, officials are considering zoning changes that could require special-use permits and greater oversight, including reclaimed-water use, closed-loop cooling, on-site power and community infrastructure commitments.