Amazon Data Center Construction Sparks Community Outcry in Gilroy, California

A $2 billion Amazon data center is being constructed in Gilroy, California, on 56 acres of former farmland. The facility's approval was granted by a city staff member without public hearings, leading to significant community backlash as residents were largely unaware of the project until construction commenced.

Amazon purchased the land in 2020 and faced delays, which were compounded by a lack of public engagement during the approval process. Critics argue that the facility's water use poses risks in a drought-prone area, while city officials are now considering new regulations for future developments to ensure community involvement. The situation underscores a growing tension between tech infrastructure expansion and local governance.