Residents press county for transparency and town hall on proposed 'Project Tango' data center

Multiple residents used the public comment period to urge the Palm Beach County Commission to pause or reject a proposed large AI/data center referred to as 'Project Tango' in Loxahatchee. Speakers raised concerns about projected water and electricity demand, strain on existing infrastructure, the potential for higher utility rates or taxes to cover system upgrades, the temporary nature of construction jobs, and compatibility with surrounding agricultural land.

Cindy Falco de Corrado told commissioners the project would use massive water and electricity for cooling and said a 3.7‑million‑square‑foot facility is incompatible with the rural character of the area. “Approving a project of this scale puts residents at risk,” she said, calling for full transparency on water and energy usage and a pause on approvals. Fay Bernstein and Jane Justice made similar arguments, citing environmental and social concerns.

Commission Chair Baxter and staff responded that the developer already has an approved data‑center designation and that the commission will host a town hall on Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. at 151 Civic Center Way in Royal Palm Beach to allow experts to answer community questions. Staff invited residents living closest to the project to attend and said county staff and the county lobby team will be present where appropriate.

Speakers also urged clear disclosure of any tax incentives or utility rate changes that might accompany site development. Environmental groups pointed to water‑saving design alternatives and called for protections of agricultural and conservation lands.

No formal action on the project was recorded during the meeting; commissioners and staff committed to further public engagement.