San Jose Council Approves IBM Site Rezoning Amid Data Center Fears

San Jose's IBM Almaden Research Center, a 35-acre site in South San Jose, has been rezoned by the city council. The decision, made on August 18 with a 9-2 vote, allows for an industrial park to be built on the property.

The majority of council members voted in favor of the rezoning, despite concerns raised by residents and environmental groups. Councilmembers Rosemary Kamei and Pamela Campos were among those who opposed the decision, calling for a delay until more community input was gathered.

Residents fear that the rezoning will attract more data centers to the area, but the city council saw it as an opportunity to revitalize the site. The community had argued that uniform standards should be established before any future development plans are known.