Getting answers: City of Coachella yet to answer questions on proposed data center

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) - News Channel 3 has pushed the City of Coachella to answer questions and concerns about a proposed data center at Avenue 52 and Filmore St.

Dozens of residents protested the development at a city council meeting last week, sharing their concerns about air, noise and water pollution.

Today, News Channel 3's Athena Jreij took concerns to the Coachella Civic Center to follow up on questions about the developer and project timeline. Something residents say they've been kept in the dark about.

"I think that my biggest concern is I want city officials to know that if there's any plans to move forward, every single step should be known by the community, and we should have the option to stop these things from happening," Polette Zavala said.

Our crews spent all day at the Civic Center trying to speak with officials. Beginning at noon, we were told all leaders had gone to lunch and would be back around 2 p.m.

So, our crew continued to push and came back at 2 p.m., when we were informed the only city leader who could speak on the project, Interim City Manager Gabriel Gonzalez, was in a meeting.

News Channel 3 waited in the lobby until 4 p.m., hoping to speak with Gonzalez, but were told then that he had left for the day, despite our emails and efforts to reach him.

It's been apart of a weeklong process to get answers from officials for residents who say the city is more involved in the data center project than they're announcing.

Through various emails and phone calls, News Channel 3 has worked to get answers regarding claims that a city municipal agreement to establish their own utility, has actually outlined plans for a data center.

Documents show that utility would be run by private developers, like Stronghold Power, and could expand far beyond the city's initial 240-acre claim.

Reports like those found on Datacentermaps.com show the technology campus could grow to over 450 acres.

It's left residents confused and those looking for answers waiting.

"This isn't being communicated to anyone, like they're happening in recorded city council meetings. That isn't enough for a project and plans that have this much impact on our water, our air quality, our energy costs," Stephanie Ambriz said.

Interim City Manager Gabriel Gonzalez will be sworn in next Wednesday, April 22 at the Coachella City Council meeting.

Stick with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage on this story.