Perez Rescinds Support for Data Center

Supervisor Perez Withdraws Support of Data Center in Wake of Opposition

COACHELLA — Whether opponents to a proposed data center have convinced the City Council to block the controversial project remains to be seen, but one of the most powerful leaders in Riverside County is withdrawing his support for the project, Uken Report has learned.

Fourth District Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, who in March sent a letter of support to Stronghold Power Systems Inc., the city’s private partner on the planned city-led utility, has rescinded his coveted support.

“This project needs a lot of work, such as an EIR and a thorough CEQA process and the necessary community input,” Darin Schemmer, Perez’s communications director, told Uken Report. :”Not to mention concerns about water and electricity. As a result, Supervisor Perez rescinded the letter through the developer and the city manager who both took action to withdraw the letter.”

At first blush, the letter, dated March 9, appeared fake. There is no inside address, no personal salutation — usually considered parts of a professional business letter.

Schemmer confirmed it was authentic while simultaneously saying the supervisor, who is seeking re-election in the June 2 primary, had rescinded his support.

In the letter of support Perez wrote that the project would bring a meaningful opportunity to the Imperial Irrigation District.  He said it would also generate ongoing revenue for IID.

Perez’s withdrawal of support follows a raucous town hall meeting Monday that attracted more than 100 people at the Boys & Girls Club of Coachella Valley. The meeting drew Coachella residents who were opposed to a data center, community members from other cities including Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs.

At issue is the Coachella Valley Technology Campus, a proposed development that would be built on 240 acres of agricultural land about 2.5 miles east of downtown Coachella and 1.5 miles south of Interstate 10. It would be located roughly two miles away from Valle del Sol Elementary and across the street from a mobile home park.