Amazon Data Center Approved Without Public Vote in California
The project bypassed both the planning commission and city council entirely.
The project bypassed both the planning commission and city council entirely.
May 11, 2026 – Community opposition is mounting in Gilroy after residents learned that a large Amazon data center project was approved without a public vote or city council hearing.
The project, proposed by Amazon Data Services, was approved last year by Community Development Director Sharon Goei following a multiyear environmental review process.
Under Gilroy’s zoning code, data centers are permitted uses within the city’s M2 General Industrial district and only require an Architectural and Site Review Permit issued at the staff level.
The satellites have the potential for a big payoff and quality internet for users.
It’s a victory for tower companies, who pushed for the condition.
Politicized reviews and court rulings are stalling infrastructure needed to support rising AI-driven energy demand, Armstrong said.
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