Taylor City Council holds public hearing on controversial data center plan

The Taylor City Council convened on June 26, 2025, to discuss several pressing issues, primarily focusing on the proposed employment center plan for a data center at 1601 Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard. The meeting began with a public hearing regarding Ordinance 2025-17, which outlines the request for this employment center plan.

City staff presented the proposal, highlighting that the site encompasses 52.42 acres and is zoned for employment use, aligning with the city’s comprehensive plan. The plan includes the construction of an Encore substation and large industrial buildings designated for data center operations. A notable aspect of the proposal is a request for a variance to construct an 8-foot screening wall for security and noise mitigation.

During the public hearing, several residents voiced their concerns regarding the data center's potential impact on the surrounding neighborhood. Pam Griffin, a local resident, expressed strong opposition, citing health risks associated with the facility, including air quality and noise pollution. She criticized the lack of notification to residents about the project, stating that many were unaware until the day before the meeting.

Other speakers echoed similar sentiments, raising questions about the adequacy of the city’s communication with affected residents and the environmental implications of the data center. Teresa Bogar emphasized the importance of addressing water resource management, noting that the region faces significant challenges regarding water supply and costs. She urged the council to consider the long-term implications of adding industrial projects without a clear plan for water management.

Sarah Winters raised critical questions about oversight and environmental assessments for the data center, asking whether the city had conducted independent studies to evaluate potential health and environmental impacts. She also highlighted concerns about the concentration of industrial developments in historically marginalized neighborhoods, suggesting that such decisions reflect a pattern of inequitable development.

Several residents called for a delay in the decision-making process to allow for further community engagement and transparency. They requested a public meeting specifically for the neighborhood most affected by the proposed data center, arguing that residents deserve a comprehensive understanding of the project and its implications.

The council members listened attentively to the public's concerns, with many speakers urging them to prioritize community needs and environmental safeguards over industrial growth. The meeting concluded with a commitment from the council to consider the feedback received and to ensure that any future developments align with the interests of all residents in Taylor.