Calif. city's residents win triple victory in data center fight

"Monterey Park residents describe their predominantly Asian and Hispanic city as peaceful and quiet, with a convenient location in the San Gabriel Valley near to downtown Los Angeles. The intense data center backlash is prompted by an Australian asset manager's proposed project, a 247,000-square-foot site for computer servers that would also include a new electrical substation and, to stave off power interruptions, around a dozen diesel generators."

"The two 5-0 decisions come after a rapid campaign from local organizers, who rallied hundreds of residents against a data center that had been proposed for construction amid a swath of residential buildings. The "No Data Center in Monterey Park" group won a 45-day hold from the council back in January. The council's decisions extend the block on permitting for 10.5 months and call for a special election in June on a ballot measure that would create a ban on data centers."

"In another win for the anti-data center organizers, councilmembers also discussed layering on an ordinance to ban the buildings. During the meeting, City Attorney Karl Berger called the three efforts together a "belt, suspenders and girdle approach.""

Monterey Park, a Los Angeles suburb with predominantly Asian and Hispanic residents, has become a focal point in the growing opposition to data center development. The City Council voted unanimously to extend a moratorium on data center permits for 10.5 months and to place a ballot measure before voters in June that would create a permanent ban on such facilities. This action followed intense community organizing by the "No Data Center in Monterey Park" group, which mobilized hundreds of residents against a proposed 247,000-square-foot data center project that would include diesel generators and an electrical substation. The council also discussed implementing an ordinance to ban data centers. The Wednesday meeting drew such overwhelming participation that it lasted six hours, with the mayor warning attendees that allowing everyone to speak would extend proceedings until 2 a.m.

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