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Commission split on Project Komal employment‑center plan as residents raise water, noise and eminent‑domain concerns
Summary
Project Komal, an employment‑center plan for roughly 220 acres intended to accommodate data‑center use, drew multiple residents and landowner speakers who raised questions about water and power demand, buffering, notification radius and prior eminent‑domain impacts; commissioners were divided and the recorded matter will go to city council.
The Planning and Zoning Commission held a lengthy public hearing on Project Komal, a proposed employment‑center plan for roughly 220 acres that the applicant and developer say is intended to host data‑center tenants and related infrastructure. Staff presented the regulating plan, described proposed frontage along FM 973 and a connection to County Road 401, and recommended approval with stipulated waivers and buffering measures.
Several residents urged more comprehensive city rules for data centers. "This industry is flooding in," said Carrie Deanna, a resident who asked the commission to study other cities' approaches and extend public notice beyond 200 feet. Pamela Griffin, who said she lives within roughly 500 feet of the site, said she opposes data centers and believes the city needs to research impacts on electricity, water and neighborhoods. Industry‑experienced public commenter Justin Irving recommended the commission direct staff to review land‑development code language for digital infrastructure and to consider public‑private partnerships and water reuse to mitigate long‑term public costs.
Landowner Steve Sherrill described prior experiences with eminent‑domain proceedings tied to transmission and road work near the area and asked the applicant to engage directly with adjoining property owners. The applicant's representative, David Fisk of KDC, told the commission the developer requested 360 megawatts from Encore to serve the site and that ERCOT will study and set final service amounts. Fisk said project‑related infrastructure upgrades would be borne by the developer and that the project plans include landscape buffering, stormwater detention and a $75,000 community benefit fee plus set‑aside parcels for commercial or civic uses.
Commissioners pressed the applicant on the amount and source of water and power, environmental or stormwater studies, and how the city would protect existing residents from noise or runoff. One commissioner moved to disapprove the employment‑center plan; after debate the motion did not carry on a 2–3 vote. Staff reminded the commission that recorded votes and the PNC recommendation will be forwarded to city council for final consideration in December.
