The Puente Hills Mall, famed as the Twin Pines Mall from "Back to the Future," faces a contested transformation. Once a vibrant shopping center, it suffered decline due to the pandemic and online retail. Owners now propose converting the largely vacant property into a complex featuring warehouses, a bus station, and a 10-megawatt data center. This proposal has sparked significant local opposition despite the data center being of moderate size compared to hyperscale facilities. Residents fear increased air and noise pollution, higher utility costs, and the loss of a crucial community gathering place.Two distinct proposals are currently under consideration by city officials. One plan includes two warehouses, with the option to convert one into a data center. The second envisions a mix of industrial and commercial development, potentially including a warehouse and data center alongside new commercial buildings. Both proposals incorporate a bus transit station and surface parking. The mall, though mostly empty, still attracts "Back to the Future" fans, maintaining a cultural significance beyond its current commercial viability.Despite its diminished retail presence, the mall was purchased two years ago for $115 million. A local citizens' group is fiercely campaigning against the data center plans, highlighting environmental and social concerns. They argue the mall serves as an important "third space" for the community, a sentiment underscored by personal stories of connection.Local officials, however, seem less receptive to the opposition's pleas. The City of Industry, with its small population and extensive industrial zoning, may prioritize development over residential concerns. Recent changes to zoning laws approved by the City Council could further pave the way for data centers and battery energy storage systems. Opponents feel they lack recourse against potential adverse environmental and public health impacts. Without a time-traveling DeLorean, the mall's nostalgic past appears unlikely to prevent its industrial future.