Community requests agenda item on proposed data centers in San Marcos area

Under the bright lights of the Hays County courthouse, community members gathered to voice their concerns about two proposed data centers that could dramatically alter the landscape of their rural neighborhood. Abigail Lindsey, a resident of San Marcos, stepped up to the podium, her voice steady yet filled with urgency as she addressed the court and commissioners.

Lindsey highlighted the plans for the data centers, one owned by Mister Mayberry and the other by Cloudburst Data Center, both situated on Francis Harris Lane. She expressed alarm over the lack of transparency surrounding these developments, noting that crucial details about the projects, including their environmental impacts, had not been disclosed to the public or local leaders. “This is very concerning,” she stated, emphasizing that such significant projects should not proceed without community engagement.

The proposed sites, which span nearly 96 acres of farmland adorned with century-old oak trees and intersected by York Creek, are not only close to each other—just 2.9 miles apart—but also share the same water source. Lindsey pointed out that the data centers could draw between 40,000 to 1.4 million gallons of water daily from the Crystal Clear Special Utility District, raising fears about the potential strain on local water supplies and the environment.

Residents are worried about the impact these data centers could have on their quality of life, property values, and the natural beauty of their surroundings. “We enjoy living in the country for the quiet mornings, the dark skies, and the wildlife,” Lindsey lamented, reflecting the sentiments of many who cherish the rural lifestyle.

In light of these concerns, Lindsey urged the commissioners to add the topic of the data centers to their agenda, seeking answers and a platform for community dialogue. As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the voices of Hays County residents are determined to be heard, advocating for transparency and responsible development in their beloved community.