Planning Commission backs industrial project in Oakley despite fears over data centers

OAKLEY — The Oakley Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a development plan that could include data centers as dozens of residents voiced concerns over potential environmental and health impacts and strains on existing infrastructure.

With a 3-2 vote, the commission recommended the City Council approve the Bridgehead Industrial project, with the stipulation that a conditional use permit be required for data centers to operate on the property.

Commission Chairman Leonard Price and Commissioners Sean Ireland and Pierre Goudie voted yes, while Commissioners Yared Oliveros and Kerry Harvey dissented.

City officials assuaged concerns over the plan, noting that the exact tenants for the proposed 10 buildings were currently unknown.

Oakley Community Development Director Ken Strelo said a data center was among the several proposed uses “that could occur” at the project site.

“So, I want to be clear. I know there’s a flyer going around. It said, ‘stop the AI center next to Vintage Parkway’ or something like that. They’re not proposing a data center next to Vintage Parkway,” said Strelo. “But that doesn’t mean someday they might not, right? It’s just not being proposed right now. So, I just want to be totally transparent about that.”

The proposed project would be on 164 acres in Northwest Oakley, with single-family residences nearby.

The BNSF railroad corridor bifurcates the site, creating a 87.5-acre development area on the northern side and a 76.4-acre development area on the southern side.

According to a staff report, the entire area will be rezoned as a planned unit development with potential uses such as general warehousing, parcel hub, automated sorting center, distribution and logistics facility, general manufacturing, office, industrial battery storage, data center, and more.

With a focus on data centers, members of the public voiced concerns about the project’s impact on noise and air pollution, the Big Break Regional Shoreline, and Big Break Marina. They also had concerns about any related health effects and the strain data centers would have on resources such as water and electricity.

Some also worried about an increase in traffic, with one resident who said Oakley should consider a new motto as it will “no longer have the right to proclaim itself a place for families in the heart of the Delta,” if the project was approved.

Local union members supported the project, claiming it would provide job and apprenticeship opportunities in the city.

Some commissioners questioned whether the Environmental Impact Report had considered noise impacts, while others asked about the projected electrical demand and grid capacity.

Strelo said there are measures in place to reduce noise levels, including a sound wall, buildings that will act as sound barriers, and quiet pavements proposed along Big Break Road.

He also said a conditional use permit for data center usage creates “discretionary action,” and businesses would need to undergo additional reviews.

“They need to come back to the decision-making body for approval of a conditional use permit,” said Strelo. “It is a public hearing, and we could ensure that whatever the specific usage is for utilities, the infrastructure is in place, and the capacity is available.”