Taylor official apologizes for 'untimely' post about online data center debate

Taylor City Manager Brian LaBorde issued an apology for the premature online release of a statement regarding the city's decision on a data center zoning petition. The announcement, made before a City Council meeting concluded where many residents had gathered to speak, stated that a citizen-led petition seeking zoning changes for data center development could not be enacted through a popular vote due to state law. The petition, organized by the advocacy group HALT Taylor Data Centers and garnering over 1,400 certified signatures, aimed to influence the November 3 election.

LaBorde expressed regret on behalf of the city, clarifying that the City Council had no prior knowledge of the untimely publication. Despite the petition's inability to go to a public vote, Taylor officials are planning to introduce changes to its Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code. These proposed amendments, which will be considered by the council in September, aim to establish new requirements for digital businesses, including data centers, focusing on environmental protection, noise mitigation, air quality, and water conservation. The city encourages public participation in the review and comment process for these draft regulations throughout July.