Amazon reportedly uses 45-year-old rules to get around AI data center opposition - California residents left fuming after Gilroy facility begins construction

Date:
Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:35:00 +0000

Description:
Amazons use of 45-year-old zoning rules have enabled it to avoid public planning scrutiny in Gilroy, California.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Amazon revealed plans to build Gilroy, California data center were first submitted in 2020 Gilroy citizens have accused the city council of inadequate communications concerning the development The 438,500-square-foot data center occupies a 56-acre chunk of farmland 30 miles south of San Jose Citizens of Gilroy, California, have expressed dismay at the building of an Amazon data center, which they say
they were not informed of - and when one resident attempted to lodge a complaint, she was told that comments on the plans were closed in 2024 long before most citizens were even aware of the planned installation.

Occupying a 56-acre area of farmland between a Walmart and a local shopping center, the Amazon project appears to have been quietly pushed through using obfuscation and clever use of 45-year-old planning laws. Amazon has
apparently made provision to divert wastewater to the data center, and
donated money for local spending. Meanwhile, the city mayor has responded to the concerns by likening the water-and power-hungry Amazon data center to a food distribution center that was also recently approved. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here: Opposition and sponsorships Utilizing the
old city zoning rule originally intended for industrial development along a freeway has enabled the data center to proceed into full development without planning scrutiny from residents. However, the apparent collaboration between Amazon and the Gilroy city council and mayor has not gone unnoticed, with opposition organized against the project.

One of those organizers, 21-year-old college student Landon Sepulveda, indicated to the Wall Street Journal that there was a trust issue between the population and the city administrators. These processes were not enough for the citizens of Gilroy to do anything about it. Weve elected them to tell us, and we shouldnt have to watch over their shoulders. You may like Texas city sells 87 acres gifted by local farmer to data center developer for $10
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Another citizen, elementary school teacher Coleen Crew, told a recent council meeting Many if not most residents first learned about this project after construction had already begun.

Amazon and the Gilroy council have been at pains to highlight the advantages of the deal, citing jobs, tax revenue, and that solution to concerns over water use. Amazon has also donated $1 million for a new city fire truck, and donated money to non-profits and the citys annal Gilroy Garlic Festival. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar Pro
newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Mayor Bozzo and AWS Responding to public dismay over the development, Mayor Greg Bozzo has highlighted an opportunity to change the way that we do business in Gilroy. Were adapting to the times.

Meanwhile, Amazon Web Services VP of economic development Roger Wehner claims the project followed standard approval processes. He added: Weve since met directly with residents and hosted an open house to hear feedback and answer questions.

The challenges and advantages of data centers seem to be the modern day equivalent of opposition to nuclear plants from 50 years ago. While the data centers continued construction seems inevitable, and Amazon has made some generous provisions, it is disappointing that the citys residents were not informed of the development and that might be the biggest problem here. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/amazon-reportedly-uses-45-year-old-rules-to-get- around-ai-data-center-opposition-california-residents-left-fuming-after-gilroy -facility-begins-construction


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