● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportMedium impact1 neutral
Amazon Data Center Construction in Gilroy, CA, Began Under 45-Year-Old Zoning Rules
Key points
- Amazon's Gilroy data center began construction last month.
- The project used 45-year-old zoning rules, bypassing recent public comment.
- Residents expressed concerns about water usage in a drought-prone area.
- Gilroy's mayor acknowledged the need to adapt approval processes.
Construction Underway
Construction has started on an Amazon data center in Gilroy, California, on a 56-acre former farmland site. The project is situated between a Walmart Supercenter and the Gilroy Premium Outlets.
Outdated Zoning Rules
The project avoided recent public scrutiny by adhering to local zoning rules established 45 years ago. While Amazon's application process began in 2020 and included public notices, the public comment period had already concluded by 2024, before data centers became a prominent public concern.
Community Concerns and Official Responses
Gilroy residents, such as Rosa Rodriguez, attempted to voice concerns about the data center's potential impact on water resources in a drought-affected region but were informed the comment period had closed. Gilroy City Mayor Greg Bozzo noted that similar industrial projects had previously been approved without resistance, but conceded that public awareness of data center developments has increased, indicating a need to update local business practices.
Amazon's Engagement and Mitigation Efforts
Amazon stated it is engaging with the community, including direct meetings with residents and hosting an open house. To address water shortage fears, the company is constructing a wastewater recovery system for its water needs and plans to build a pipeline to bring treated wastewater to the facility.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Amazon began construction on a data center in Gilroy, California, utilizing local zoning rules from 45 years ago, which allowed the project to proceed without recent public comment. This situation highlights a growing tension between community concerns, particularly regarding water usage, and the rapid expansion of data center infrastructure.