Noise modeling and screening emerge as central concerns in Prosper data‑center hearing

Acoustical analysis became a leading technical focus in the Planning & Zoning Commission’s hearing on Project Tomahawk.

The developer’s civil engineer described ambient monitoring and a conservative modeling approach that intentionally excluded vegetation and rooftop screening; based on several conservative assumptions the modeling showed a worst‑case property‑line result near 55 dBA. The PD draft contains a 65‑dBA property‑line limit, which the applicant said would be enforceable and would "run with the land." The engineer said the modeling included scenarios up to a 120‑degree ambient temperature and simulated generator cycles.

Multiple commissioners and several residents pushed back on methodology and asked for analysis targeted to the nearest residential pads and night conditions when road noise decreases. Opponents pressed the commission to require C‑weighted testing to capture low‑frequency tones that residents said can transmit through walls and windows. Commissioners asked the applicant to return with receptor‑based modeling and, if the project is refiled, testing that reflects actual equipment and screening selected for the final design.