In California, residents say their city approved a 'technology park,' not a data center

In Pittsburg, California, a planned data center has become a flashpoint after some residents said they only later understood that a city-approved "technology park" was set to revolve around a large digital facility.

What happened?

Plans approved in 2024 as "Pittsburg Technology Park" are now facing public protest because the development includes AVAIO Digital's Perseus Data Center. CBS News Bay Area reported that the proposed facility would span 337,000 square feet on the former Delta View golf course.

Amhari Perkins, co-organizer of Stop Pittsburg Data Center and a Pittsburg native, told the outlet: "Don't want it here in Pittsburg. It's unfortunate we're finding out two years later its approval, and I feel like that goes into the language. It was really misleading."

Perkins said she wants the project paused, adding, "I'd appreciate if we could get a moratorium. Just to allow the community some true transparency, seeing that we're so far along."

At a packed city meeting, more than 60 people spoke about the proposal. Those opposed to it said the project would sit too close to homes and schools, with the nearest house reportedly 420 feet away, while some supporters said it would create "real, family-sustaining construction work."

Why does it matter?

The backlash in Pittsburg reflects a broader battle happening nationwide as more communities confront the local effects of large data centers. Critics in the city have raised concerns about environmental impacts, noise, and the power and water demands of a facility operating close to where families live.

Perkins described those concerns in personal terms, saying: "More personal for me, you know just being a property owner, my kids going to school right down the street a little over a mile from the projected facility. Knowing there's a middle school right across the way ... I'm just not okay with that."

These facilities are increasingly tied to artificial intelligence, which requires enormous computing power and, in turn, large amounts of electricity.

In Pittsburg, the fight centers on how communities weigh economic development against public health, environmental protections, and trust in local government.

What's being done?

AVAIO Digital has said the project is being designed to address many of the concerns raised by residents. In a statement to CBS News Bay Area, the company said the data center would occupy about 22 of the site's 76 acres and described the redevelopment of the abandoned Delta View Golf Course, which had sat empty and dry for years and seen multiple wildfire incidents.

The company also said the facility would use "a closed-loop cooling design that consumes no water for cooling," with "total expected water usage ... of less than 4,000 gallons per day." It added that non-potable water use would be "100% recycled water" and that "low-noise fans and additional sound reducing structures" would help reduce disruption.

City officials, meanwhile, said Pittsburg sold the land for more than $10 million and could receive $1.36 million annually in property taxes, with total yearly revenue potentially reaching $6 million to $8 million.

Darin Gale, the city manager, said the city is forming a community advisory committee and noted that any later phases would have their own notification, review, and environmental-assessment steps, according to CBS News Bay Area. He also said phase one has not yet reached the building permit review stage.

"We can always do better when it comes to our public outreach," Gale said.

But Perkins said the city's response feels "Like a slap in the face, and just like we're being told it's coming regardless of how much we've got organized and voiced our concerns."

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.