Question 1

Will this project raise my electricity bill?

Accepted Answer

Southern California Edison (SCE) does not anticipate that the proposed data center would result in increased utility rates for customers in the area. Your electricity rates are set by SCE and regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission based on regional infrastructure costs and energy supply, not individual commercial developments.

The data center will use less than 1% of SCE's total projected electricity demand and will be served by dedicated power infrastructure and funded and by the developer.

Question 2

Will this project raise my water bill?

Accepted Answer

No, it will have no impact on residential water rates. Your water rates are set by the local water agency based on system-wide infrastructure costs, water supply, and treatment expenses—not individual commercial developments.

Question 3

Will the data center be noisy?

Accepted Answer

Noise studies found that data center operations would be quieter than the typical background noise already present in the neighborhood. Noise monitoring equipment measured existing daytime levels at 56-61 dBA and nighttime levels at 54-56 dBA. When engineers modeled the data center operating at full capacity (including rooftop equipment, emergency generators, and substation transformers), projected noise levels at the nearest homes ranged from 48.6 to 52.0 dBA. For perspective, 52 dBA is comparable to light rain or a household refrigerator, while normal conversation is around 60 dBA. The facility includes sound-rated enclosures for all generators, acoustical screening around rooftop equipment, and an 18-foot perimeter wall that provides additional noise reduction.

Question 4

What community benefits does this project provide?

Accepted Answer

The project delivers lasting benefits for Monterey Park residents:
New Public Park: A new public park (approximately 39,900 square feet) will be funded by the developer and open to all residents and visitors.
Annual City Revenue: The facility is expected to generate approximately $5 million annually in recurring revenue for the City's general fund, which can support park maintenance, library programs, street repairs, and expanded public safety services.
Infrastructure Upgrades: Enhanced landscaping, lighting, and infrastructure improvements along Saturn Street and Orange Avenue will modernize the area.

Question 5

How far is the data center from residential areas?

Accepted Answer

The data center building is setback and centered on the 15.8-acre site, positioned away from residential areas. The nearest homes are separated by distance, landscaping, elevation changes, and a solid perimeter wall. The design intentionally places the most technical equipment (the generator yard and rooftop mechanical systems) on the side of the building farthest from residential properties. Additional buffering landscaping and a 6-foot block wall are included along the residential edge of the property, with trees and shrubs providing visual and acoustic screening. The site's natural topography also creates separation, as the property slopes upward from residential areas to the north.

Question 6

Will this data center be bad for our health and environment?

Accepted Answer

A comprehensive Initial Study–Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) analyzing all required environmental topics, including air quality, noise, water use, energy, traffic, and utilities, found the project to be fully compliant with the California Environment Quality Act. This included detailed air quality modeling that found all emissions—including from backup generators—would be well below regulatory thresholds established by the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

In response to community concerns, the applicant has agreed to pursue an Environmental Impact Report to ensure transparency about a project's impacts on the environment and health.

Question 7

How many jobs will this data center provide?

Accepted Answer

During construction, the data center will create 200-300 jobs for local union members over a 2-3 year construction period. The developer has agreed to a Project Labor Agreement (PLA), which guarantees these construction jobs go to local union workers who are residents of Monterey Park and surrounding San Gabriel Valley communities. This means the economic benefits—including wages, spending at local businesses, and tax revenue—stay in the community.

After construction, the center will require 26 full time employees to manage day-to-day operations.

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