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Wellington council urges pause on ‘‘Project Tango’’ data center, adopts moratorium language
Summary
The council adopted a resolution opposing approval of a hyperscale AI data center at the Southern Boulevard site without stricter siting distances and a health/environmental review; council also urged the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners to adopt a moratorium on new hyperscale applications until land‑use rules and an impact study are in place.
The Village of Wellington council on March 24 approved a resolution urging Palm Beach County to pause or condition approval of a proposed hyperscale AI data center known in meetings as "Project Tango." Council members said officials need more data about electrical demand, water use for cooling systems, noise and other environmental and community impacts before the county grants final approval.
Staff offered multiple draft versions for council discussion, including one that would oppose county approval of the Southern Boulevard site unless it satisfied a minimum siting buffer. Council members debated language and added a reference to “significant water use for cooling systems” to the whereas clauses.
Resident speakers offered mixed comments. Bruce Toomin urged the council not to be swayed by “fake news” and asked whether the village was overreaching by asking the county to impose a five‑mile setback; he also asked whether the village would annex the land. Sue Ellen Loisel expressed concern about potential water drawdown, low‑frequency noise and other environmental impacts, and told the council “you are going in the right direction” for pressing for more study.
Supporters of the resolution argued that a brief pause would not harm business interests but would allow regulators and the public to understand potential risks and benefits. In moving the measure, one council member said the village should oppose county approval “unless they are absolutely sure and that they can change the county’s codes, to give clear direction to the data center as to how those groups can be protected, meaning residences and kids.”
The resolution, as approved, includes language urging the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners to adopt a moratorium on new hyperscale AI data center applications until land development regulations establish minimum siting distances from schools and residences and until a comprehensive environmental and health impact study has been completed and published for public review. The council approved the motion 5‑0.
