BLAINE, Wash. — Blaine City Councilmember Jiggy Sorrell says city officials have no data center project on their radar, addressing questions and rumors about development near Sweet Road and the former IGA property.
Sorrell, who represents Ward 1 in Position 2, said he checked with city staff after several residents asked whether a data center could come to Blaine.
“I can confirm there is no data center on the radar for the City of Blaine,” Sorrell said.
“In my personal opinion, I’d like to see that manufacturing space bring in businesses with long term job growth. We need a bigger base of good jobs here in Blaine so people can actually live and work in the community they’re part of.”
Jiggy Sorrell
Battery Project May Have Fueled Confusion
According to Sorrell, a company previously expressed interest in building a battery energy storage facility near Sweet Road. However, that proposal has not moved forward.
Sorrell said a separate battery storage project may still be under consideration in the Custer area. Because that property sits outside Blaine and his jurisdiction, he declined to characterize its current status.
“I bring these up because a battery storage facility is different from a data center, and it’s possible the two got mixed up somewhere along the way,” Sorrell said.
Data centers contain computer servers and other equipment used to process and store digital information. In contrast, battery energy storage facilities collect electricity so utilities can release it when customers need more power or when renewable energy production drops.
Sorrell said communities could see more interest from energy companies as Washington moves toward cleaner power and utilities look for ways to maintain reliable, affordable electricity.
Washington’s Clean Energy Transformation Act requires the state’s electric utilities to transition toward carbon-neutral and renewable electricity. That transition may increase demand for energy storage projects that can balance the power grid.
Housing Planned Behind Blaine IGA
Sorrell also contacted the city’s planning department about the property behind the Blaine IGA.
“As for the lot behind the IGA, I checked in with the planning department and confirmed there is a housing project there, with the rest of the area zoned for manufacturing,” Sorrell said.
He added that he had not received information identifying the proposal as affordable housing.
“I’m not aware of it being affordable housing, from what I know it’s just a housing project,” Sorrell said.
The distinction matters because affordable housing projects typically include income restrictions or other requirements that do not necessarily apply to conventional residential development.
Sorrell Wants Manufacturing Jobs
Sorrell said he would like the manufacturing portion of the property to attract employers that create stable jobs for Blaine residents.
“In my personal opinion, I’d like to see that manufacturing space bring in businesses with long term job growth,” Sorrell said. “We need a bigger base of good jobs here in Blaine so people can actually live and work in the community they’re part of.”
Residents who have additional questions can contact Sorrell at jsorrell@cityofblaine.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sorrell said he has no information identifying it as affordable housing. He described it only as a housing project.
Residents who have additional questions can contact Sorrell at jsorrell@cityofblaine.com.
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