SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX 5) – Nearly a week after it was uncovered, Google is staying silent about mysterious barges off Treasure Island and in Maine. Meanwhile, KPIX 5 has received comment from the U.S. Coast Guard about the project, and has obtained details about the barges and who owns them.
We have found at least three barges, two with container structures on them, all marked with the letters “BAL” followed by four numbers. The two barges located at Treasure Island are identified as BAL0010 and BAL0001. A similar barge in Portland, Maine is identified as BAL0011.
A document provided to KPIX 5 by the Treasure Island Development Authority confirms a tenant of Hangar 3, which sits directly across from the barges, is called By and Large or BAL. Three other tenants lease space at the hangar.
BAL moved in on August 1st. So far, the authority has not provided KPIX with a copy of the lease to show how much they are paying and how long they plan to stay.
Adding to the intrigue is a sign that was found posted inside Hangar 3 that told anyone who is allowed in to turn over cellphones, cameras, and other recording devices.
Last week, tech website CNET first disclosed the barge building and speculated Google might be building a floating data center to house server banks on the water. Well placed sources told KPIX 5 that the barges are being built and outfitted as retail sales and marketing centers for Google Glass, the tech giant’s wearable computer.
So far, Google has not responded to numerous requests for comment on the project.
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