Glendale leaders agreed to move forward with incorporating land into the city for a massive data center project and a natural gas plant that's expected to bring in millions in city revenue.
Councilmembers wanted the public to know the city could do nothing to stop the development of Project Eagle, formerly known as Project Baccara. Maricopa County officials cleared the 160-acre site for construction near Litchfield Road and Olive Avenue in May.
"I know this has garnered quite a bit of attention with the general public," said Councilmember Lauren Tolmachoff. She had City Attorney Michael Bailey clarify that the developer already had the property rights to build on the site.
"Whether it's annexed into Glendale or not annexed into Glendale, this data
center is going to get built and developed because they already have that entitlement," Tolmachoff said. Glendale leaders approved a pre-annexation agreement in April.
Residents near the project's site have fiercely pushed back against the plans. They have argued that the power plant would contribute to air pollution across the Valley and could put the Air Force base at risk for catastrophic accidents. Some neighbors say they will move away if the project is built and wonder if similar projects will soon follow.
Michigan-based developer Takanock and Montera, a hyperscale data center developer, have partnered on the development.
They are planning a "bring-your-own power" approach, with 18 gas stacks and thousands of gallons of backup propane near a tight-knit neighborhood. That's different from the typical model, which can strain the grid and contribute to rising utility costs.
Epcor, a private water company, will provide water and sewer services, according to city documents.
Once complete, the entire project is expected to have no impact on local water availability and no noticeable change in noise levels at nearby homes, according to an independent study by engineering consultant Matrix New World Engineering.
It's estimated to generate annual revenue of $14.4 million for Glendale, according to a third-party study shared with the city. It's expected to create about 3,000 construction jobs and, once complete, more than 300 permanent, high-paying jobs. Data centers generally create dozens to hundreds of direct jobs, according to the Data Center Coalition.
Councilmember Lupe Conchas was the only Glendale leader to express opposition to the project. He said he had concerns about air quality and energy and water usage.
"I am opposed ... to this project in general just because I believe that we could be doing so much more and so much better for our community."
Conchas said he understood the fiscal impact and would educate himself further on the project's specifics.
City officials were expected to begin the process of obtaining signatures from property owners near the project site, per state law. Incorporation, by law, requires the consent of a majority of property owners.
Public notices and a public meeting will be held before signatures are collected.
Elena Santa Cruz covers the West Valley cities of Glendale, Surprise and Peoria. Reach her at elena.santacruz@arizonarepublic.com or follow her on X @ecsantacruz3.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Glendale moves ahead with incorporating Project Eagle data center
