A fight over a planned data center brought dozens of people to City Hall, where residents demanded city leaders hit the pause button on the project. About 80 people gathered outside before the City Council meeting to protest the facility, which was approved last year. Many residents said they onl y learned about the project within the past week and expressed concerns over its potential impacts on power demand and water use. Amhari Perkins, who started an online petition to stop the project, was among the demonstrators. “I’m literally talking to people out here who just found out a week ago,” Perkins said. “They just found out a week ago, you know?” Resident Eder Garcia echoed the frustration over the lack of communication. “You should have involved our residents more,” Garcia said. “We’re the ones who have to live with a data center.” Avaio Digital is building the data center as part of Pittsburg’s planned Technology Park at the former Delta View Golf Course. City leaders argue the project will create jobs, generate tax revenue and help transform the site into a technology hub. Opponents, however, worry the costs could outweigh the benefits. “The effects it will have on power. I’ve heard concerns about water usage and humming noise, but for me, it’s power,” Perkins said. Those concerns quickly filled the council chambers, even though the data center was not a formal agenda item. Extra seating was set up outside the chambers to accommodate the crowd. Before public comment began, the mayor called for a civil discussion. “I want to remind everyone we welcome all viewpoints and respectful disagreement,” the mayor said. During public comment, speaker after speaker urged the city to slow down, demanding more answers before the project moves forward. “It should be clear to you by now that a mistake has been made,” one public commenter said. There were some voices in support of the facility, including one speaker who emphasized the project’s potential to bring employment opportunities to Pittsburg. “There won’t be any good jobs locally. Everyone will be going over the hill,” the commenter said. The city stated the project has already completed its environmental review. According to officials, the facility will be air-cooled, use mostly recycled water for optional pre-cooling and the data center operator will pay its own energy costs. Data centers have faced similar pushback in other Bay Area cities, including Gilroy and Oakley. But back in Pittsburg, residents say the heavy turnout should send a clear message to leaders. “I think a lot of residents are emotional about it, and we’re just not receiving answers,” Perkins said. The mayor announced that the next City Council meeting on Aug. 3 will focus entirely on data centers. Meanwhile, city officials said the developer has not yet announced when construction will begin. ...read more read less