Amazon's AI Data Center in Gilroy Faces Community Backlash Over Approval Process
Amazon has begun construction on a massive AI data center in Gilroy, California, sparking controversy among local residents. The project, situated on a 56-acre site, was approved using 45-year-old zoning rules, which limited public input. Although the project was not kept secret, the public comment period ended in 2024, before data centers became a hot topic. Residents, including Rosa Rodriguez, expressed concerns about potential environmental impacts, such as water shortages. Amazon claims to have engaged with the community and plans to implement a wastewater recovery system to address water usage concerns. 
