The debate over data center expansion in Polk County continues to center on the Central Florida Innovation District around Pace Road near Florida Polytechnic University.
Some residents plan to express objections to the Auburndale data center project at the next City Commission meeting on Nov. 16.
Resident opposition has focused on several key issues raised during public comments before the Auburndale City Commission and neighboring municipal meetings:
Primary Resident & Opponent Concerns
- Noise & Environmental Disturbance: Residents living nearby have expressed major concerns regarding constant industrial noise generated by high-powered HVAC chillers, massive cooling fan banks, and backup diesel generators running continuous cycles.
- Resource Strain (Power & Water): Questions persist around the massive utility footprint—specifically high daily water consumption for evaporative cooling systems and heavy electrical loads pulling from the local grid.
- Zoning & District Vision Compatibility: Opponents argue that massive industrial data centers conflict with the original intent of the Central Florida Innovation District, which was established to promote research, health tech, mobility, and higher-density commercial or mixed-use development rather than heavy Level III industrial uses.
- Traffic & Infrastructure Impacts: Concerns remain regarding heavy equipment, utility installation disruptions, and traffic impacts on university-adjacent thoroughfares like Pace Road and University Boulevard.
What to Expect at the Commission Meeting
If you plan to address the Auburndale City Commission or follow the upcoming proceedings:
- Public Comment Registration: The commission allows public input during designated public hearing items and standard open comment periods. Arrive early to fill out a speaker card if required.
- Technical & Land Use Requirements: City staff and review teams typically require applicants to submit third-party impact studies (covering noise mitigation, utility demand, and stormwater/floodplain management) before considering land-use changes or Planned Unit Development (PUD) amendments. Focus your comments on specific land-development code standards or comprehensive plan criteria to make the strongest legal impression on commissioners.
- Inter-City Coordination: Pay attention to comments from neighboring jurisdictions like the City of Lakeland, which maintains joint traffic and infrastructure interests along the Pace Road corridor near Florida Poly.
The video below covers how residents present public comments on local data center proposals during commission meetings.
(Visited 7 times, 7 visits today)