The City of Taylor is progressing with plans for a substantial data center and power plant, despite significant opposition from local residents.
City officials have approved a development agreement for the “Taylor Technology Campus,” previously known as Project Mustang. This initiative will establish a massive 664-acre campus located at 3301 FM 112, just east of the city limits, designed to accommodate a 500-megawatt data center and a 750-megawatt natural gas-fired power generation facility.
While city leaders emphasize that this deal grants them regulatory control and the potential for millions in revenue, many residents are adamant in their opposition to having such developments in their neighborhoods.
Details of the Development Agreement
The recent approval allows Big Watt Digital and Powerhouse to move forward with their plans. Daniel Seguin from the city has noted that without this agreement, the land would remain in Williamson County, which lacks zoning authority, leaving residents vulnerable to issues related to noise, setbacks, water usage, and light pollution.
Developers had previously withdrawn their zoning application, but the city engaged with them to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. The agreement mandates a 300-foot setback from the north, east, and west property lines, and a 700-foot setback from the southern boundary to mitigate impacts on nearby homes. Additionally, it limits noise levels to approximately 65 decibels and enforces dark sky lighting standards, along with requiring testing of backup generators.
Community Concerns
Despite the city’s emphasis on the project’s financial benefits, local residents have expressed strong objections. Resident Carrie D’Anna stated, “It is very clear what we want. We don’t want this project, the gas plants, or the data centers. We want our community to focus on multifamily housing, intermediate housing, and small businesses.” Another resident highlighted the need to prioritize human lives over financial gains, questioning the project’s overall benefit to the community.
This is not the first instance of community resistance to data center proposals in Taylor. Last year, the city approved plans for a separate 135,000 square foot data center on East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard amidst similar concerns regarding noise, light, water, and air pollution.
