The controversial issue was discussed during a meeting didn't end until nearly 1 a.m. Thursday. In the end, the City Council unanimously agreed to move forward with exploring the ballot proposition.
The vote doesn't outright ban data centers, but it could set the city on a path toward a ballot measure and a final decision by voters. Meanwhile, the city's temporary moratorium remains in place as city staff continue working on long-term rules.
Voters could decide fate of proposed Monterey Park data center
Over the next month or so, the city will survey residents and get feedback from the community on a proposed data center, and a potential ban on them, in the city.
Nearly 80 people attended the meeting Wednesday to voice their opposition. Union members and labor advocates also showed up, warning that a ban could mean walking away from jobs.
Proposed data center in Monterey Park
The 1977 Saturn Data Center Project, a proposed 247,000 square-foot facility, would replace an existing two-story office building at 1977 Saturn St., next to La Loma Park, which city records state would be demolished as part of the project.
"We look forward to have the opportunity to show that this project is designed sustainably. We want to be good partners to the community," said Laziza Lambert, spokesperson for the 1977 Saturn Data Center Project.
As more people continue to stream, shop online and use artificial intelligence, that means there's a growing need for computing infrastructure.
According to the developer, the center would generate more than $5 million annually in tax revenue and would include the construction of a public park.
But opponents warn the center could place enormous strain on local utilities. Some residents fear it would consume so much electricity that it would require a new substation, potentially raising costs for the community.
"Southern California Edison has said that there will not be any pass to cost to residents. The developer is also going to be funding the infrastructure upgrades," said Lambert.
The project has faced organized resistance.
"The residents were so mad at the applicant that the city council heard us and they decided to implement a moratorium on data centers, which is completely beyond our wildest imaginations, so we're in the middle of the 45-day moratorium," said Steven Kung, who helped organize the opposition.
Kung said neighbors remain committed to stopping the project.
"We're going to push back and let them know that nobody in this town wants it - not the city council, not the residents," he said.
Some community members also raised concerns that the project was being pushed through without an environmental impact report. Lambert said the company has changed course in response to those concerns.
"They voluntarily agreed to pursue an environmental impact review, and that process is not only strictest process in the state but the country," she said.
The developer says it hopes to keep discussions ongoing.