GILROY (KPIX), Big tech could be making a big impact on southern Santa Clara County.
The City of Gilroy is inviting bids to determine the environmental impacts of Amazons Gilroy Data Center or GDC. This is one of two major South Bay projects that the tech giant is currently pushing ahead.
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Gilroy has asked for consultants from outside the city to help us understand the benefits and drawbacks of such a project, as well as how we can mitigate them, stated Peter Leroe Munoz, Gilroy Vice Mayor.
Leroe-Munoz, who is also the General Counsel of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group and Senior Vice President, stated that the city has been working behind-the-scenes over the years to attract tech companies to the city. However, he added that city leaders will not be stamping out projects.
We want to be thoughtful with all applicants who come to our city. We offer many resources. We have a large, diverse, and rapidly growing workforce. There are many benefits for innovation industries looking to locate here in Gilroy. Leroe Munoz stated that while we are open to working with them, we want to ensure that it is a good fit for both of our partners.
The GDC would be situated on a 66 acre parcel located behind Gilroy Unified School District. It is on the eastern side Highway 101.
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The company stated that while details are still being worked out the data center would likely consist several buildings totaling approximately 500,000 square feet to meet the increasing demand for the digital economy.
Amazon is moving ahead with plans to build a large warehouse and distribution center on a 60-acre parcel at the northeast corner Camino Arroyo/Highway 152. The company is also working on plans that would cover 400,000 square feet and include a six-acre commercial area.
Another tech giant has another project located less than one mile from Project Garlic. Google bought a 40-acre rectangular plot in 2019 to build a nursery to grow their own trees for their real estate developments.
I believe Gilroy has been having a moment for quite some while. Leroe Munoz said that Silicon Valley should finally recognize that the southernmost city of Silicon Valley is open for business and has so many things to offer.
The vice-mayor assured citizens they would not abandon their agricultural roots.
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We are proud of this history. We recognize its importance for our local economy and we will protect it, as well as bringing a diversity jobs and economic opportunities to our communities,” said Leroe Munoz.