Palm Beach County School Board raises safety concerns over AI data center near elementary school
The Palm Beach County School Board and local residents are raising significant safety and health concerns regarding a proposed AI data center near Saddle View Elementary School. They have sent a letter to the Palm Beach County Commission, urging them to vote against the project due to potential impacts on human health, emergency response, and local infrastructure.
The Palm Beach County School Board is voicing strong objections to a proposed AI data center, Project Ta, slated to be built near Saddle View Elementary School. The Board, alongside the Classroom Teachers Association and concerned residents, has highlighted safety and health risks, particularly given the data center's proximity – just 1,200 feet – to the elementary school. Residents have also held rallies to protest the development.
On June 3rd, the School Board formally communicated its concerns to the Palm Beach County Commission. Board members, including area representative Andrews, emphasized potential industrial impacts on human health, strains on emergency response capabilities, and broader effects on local infrastructure. While not explicitly demanding a "no" vote, the School Board seeks thorough reports and studies to ensure the safety of students and the community. Superintendent Burke acknowledged the speculative nature of some concerns but indicated the School Board's willingness to collaborate with commissioners if the project is approved, to identify solutions.