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Council approves DataBank phase‑2 site plan; defers Encore night‑work and demands mitigation plans
Summary
Council approved Ordinance 25‑054 to finalize DataBank’s second‑phase site plan for an approximately 100.2‑acre data center complex, while directing Encore to pursue a separate P&Z filing for any request to work 24/7 and requiring specific noise and light attenuation and return‑to‑natural‑state terms for temporary parking/laydown areas.
The Red Oak City Council approved Ordinance 25‑054 to allow DataBank’s phase‑2 development — extending the data center campus and related infrastructure across roughly 100.2128 acres — but declined to grant a separate, immediate exception for contractor Encore to perform continuous around‑the‑clock construction without further review.
Staff and consultants summarized the phase‑2 plan, which adds four buildings and extends Bachelor Road and utility infrastructure. DataBank representative Joe Tilson said foundations and grounding work for the private substation were underway and that Encore — the substation contractor — had recently informed the city it might need to work 24 hours a day for a 25–45‑day period to meet a May 15, 2026 schedule. DataBank said some substation equipment deliveries have occurred and the substation work is roughly half complete.
Council expressed concern about nighttime drilling and extended work near residential areas, noting prior assurances there would be no nighttime construction visible to nearby neighbors. Members asked for specifics on noise attenuation and light mitigation and required that any temporary western laydown/employee‑parking area be graded, drained and returned to vegetated condition within a fixed schedule; the ordinance language includes a two‑year limit and a 90‑day restoration window after completion of the last building.
Council voted to approve the phase‑2 zoning and site plan on a 4–0 vote (one councilmember recused after disclosing residence within 200 feet of the site). Council declined to approve Encore’s 24/7 request as part of this action and directed Encore and/or DataBank to submit a separate zoning amendment or P&Z application that includes a detailed noise and light attenuation plan and clear temporary‑use conditions for staff and public review.
Next steps: DataBank will continue phase‑2 construction within permitted hours; Encore may file a separate application addressing attenuation and public notice; council asked staff to verify mitigation plans and to ensure notices go to nearby residents.
