The curious tale of a Microsoft data center vs. 2,600 trees and a San Antonio HOA

Microsoft will build a large data center on a 33-acre plot on the far west side of San Antonio. To clear the fashion for that facility, Microsoft volition cutting down 2,642 copse. Removing that number of trees requires an exception to the metropolis'due south Tree Preservation Ordinance, which governs how many copse a developer can remove from a site.

An eight-3 City Council vote on Thursday, Jan 28, 2022, reaffirmed an earlier 6-ane vote that took place in December 2022 (via San Antonio Written report).

Afterwards Microsoft cuts down over two,600 copse to brand way for the information middle, it volition found 833 trees around it. Fifty-fifty with that number of replacement trees, Microsoft still surpasses the normal guidance for chopping copse down. The Tree Preservation Ordinance requires that 20% of heritage trees exist kept on site. Microsoft'southward plans would leave under four.5% of heritage trees.

Microsoft will pay $1.47 one thousand thousand to San Antonio's tree mitigation fund to offset the effects of its evolution.

Chopping down trees is normal for structure, but the plans accept drawn criticism from local politicians and residents.

"This is pretty dramatic for that piece of land," said Clayton Perry, Councilman from San Antonio's Commune x. "What really sticks to me is [that it] does not meet the intent and spirit of the ordinance." Despite concerns, Petty voted in favor of the exception.

Melissa Cabello, the Councilwoman from San Antonio'due south Commune six, discussed the long-term touch on of the data centre. "In the end, this is not a trees-versus-business concern-involvement story," said Cabello. "In seven to 10 years, we will all accept moved on from this event. But the good people of Stonegate Hill volition nevertheless be there. I desire to be articulate: The people who know best near their neighborhood needs are the people living in that neighborhood."

Local HOA members besides discussed the move. "Since my retirement, I have worked very long and hard with the lath of directors of Stonegate Colina to ensure … that we proceed our state-experience in the neighborhood, " said HOA secretary Joan Lopez.

Ana Sandoval, who opposed the variance, expressed environmental concerns for the proposal. "Having copse to absorb that carbon is really urgent. If I had some assurance that the … carbon reduction ability of the trees can exist replaced in the short term, I remember I would feel differently about this," said Sandoval. "Only I don't have those assurances right now."

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