Calistoga residents voice strong opposition to proposed data center at fairgrounds
Calistoga, California residents expressed strong opposition at a Fairgrounds Advisory Board meeting to a proposed data center, parking garage, and heliport complex on fairgrounds property. Concerns included potential noise, massive water consumption, and extreme electricity demands, with many residents deeming the project catastrophic for the community.
Residents of Calistoga, California, gathered at a Calistoga Fairgrounds Advisory Board meeting to vocalize their significant opposition to a proposed development that would include a data center, parking garage, and heliport on the fairgrounds property. Deputy City Manager Rachel Stepp confirmed that the advisory board, which only makes recommendations to lawmakers, allowed the presentation of the project to proceed without making any decisions. The proposal, which was reportedly suggested by an official from the California Department of Agriculture, was met with overwhelmingly negative feedback from a standing-room-only crowd.
Local resident Mark Wingate and visitors Greg and Carolyn Napper from Siskiyou County highlighted the perceived negative impacts. Opponents cited common concerns associated with data centers nationwide, including high operational noise levels, substantial water requirements for cooling systems, and significant electricity demands that could escalate energy prices for nearby communities. Despite the presentation, community members felt the proposal was vague and lacked details on how it would benefit the area. Officials indicated they would continue to monitor the proposal should it resurface locally or elsewhere in California.