Salem residents will have the opportunity to comment on a proposed data center in the city. Verrus, a California-based company connected to Google, has been in talks with the city since March 2025 over a proposed 75-acre facility.

Review Process

Once Verrus submits its land use application, a 180-day review period will begin. City staff will evaluate the proposal against Salem’s land use code. Community Planning & Development Director Kristin Retherford expects the first submission to come back incomplete, which is standard for the city to request revisions.

The public comment period will open once the city determines the application is complete. Neighbors will be notified, and a 14-day window will begin for residents to formally weigh in. This will be followed by a 15-day appeal period, during which residents can challenge city decisions on the application.

Water Use Concerns

One issue likely to draw attention is water use. Data centers have come under scrutiny over their water consumption. Verrus has said its Salem facility would use less water than a golf course, but hasn’t provided specific figures. The company’s engineering analysis will be part of the application, and the city will evaluate it during the review process.

Retherford advised residents to make comments that engage with the city’s specific findings on issues like traffic, water use, and environmental impact. Comments should argue that the city’s analysis doesn’t adequately address what the code requires.

The first opportunity for the community to comment on the data center project will be at the next Salem City Council meeting on Monday, July 27, at 6 p.m. at Loucks Auditorium at the Salem Public Library downtown.

Original reporting: Salem Reporter — read the source article.