Taylor City Council faces community backlash over proposed data center location

The Taylor City Council meeting held on July 10, 2025, focused primarily on community concerns regarding the proposed data center project, with numerous residents voicing their apprehensions and frustrations. The meeting began with a reminder from the chair to maintain decorum, emphasizing that all attendees would be given the opportunity to speak without interruptions.

The first speaker, Lisa Drummond, expressed her discontent regarding the lack of communication from the city council about the data center, which she claimed had been a concern for the neighborhood for over a year. Drummond called for a thorough environmental study to assess the potential impact on local residents, particularly those living near the proposed site.

Nikivia Miller followed, highlighting the systemic issues surrounding industrial developments in the area. She urged the council to reconsider the zoning for the data center, advocating instead for affordable housing that would better serve the community's needs. Miller also reflected on the loss of community spaces, emphasizing the emotional toll on residents.

Essey Bass echoed these sentiments, sharing her personal connection to the community center that had previously served as a gathering place for families. She criticized the council for neglecting the East and South sides of Taylor, questioning why the data center was being placed in a neighborhood that had already faced significant challenges.

Carrie Deanna added to the discussion by framing the data center as an opportunity for the city to address historical inequities in urban planning. She urged the council to prioritize community needs over industrial development, suggesting that the data center should be located outside of residential areas.

Jose Orda pointed out the discrepancy between the employment zone designation and the minimal job creation expected from the data center, calling for greater transparency and community involvement in the decision-making process.

Amy Griego, a new resident and business owner, raised concerns about the environmental and noise impacts of the data center, questioning whether adequate studies had been conducted. She emphasized the importance of community engagement in decisions that would affect residents' lives.

The final speaker, Pamela Griffin, passionately criticized the council for its lack of support for the community, urging members to consider the moral implications of their decisions. She called for a more equitable approach to development that prioritizes the well-being of all residents.

Overall, the meeting highlighted significant community opposition to the data center project, with residents advocating for more inclusive planning processes and a focus on developments that would genuinely benefit the neighborhood. The council faces pressure to address these concerns and consider alternative solutions that align with the community's needs.