The recommendation advances Project Open Skies, a planned unit development (PUD) that would allow a large-scale data center within city limits. The amended plan includes several new restrictions aimed at addressing community concerns: water use would be capped at 75,000 gallons per day except for fire suppression, on-site water wells and drilling would be prohibited, and noise levels would be limited to 60 decibels during the day and 50 decibels at night.

The commission also voted to require a cultural impact study to search for Native American artifacts, in addition to previously required studies on water, wastewater, traffic, noise, lighting, energy, and infrastructure. Cloverleaf would pay for all the studies.

The vote came despite pleas from residents to reject the project. “I fear most one are both are going to come and destroy our town or affect everyone and ruin our lives,” resident Ali Taylor said. Taylor also said she believes all council members who support the project should be recalled, and that doing so “may very well be our next steps.”

Another resident spoke in favor of the project. “I think Piedmont has an opportunity, and if they were working for it as much as they’re working against it, we could get revenue that Piedmont needs,” the resident said.

The debate has drawn comparisons to nearby Yukon, where the mayor was recently ousted in a recall election spurred by a petition over a data center proposal.

The next Planning Commission meeting to discuss the master design plan for the Beltline Energy data center proposal is scheduled for Nov. 17.