Hutto neighbors push back on data center plan

Hutto residents are actively opposing a large-scale data center project, prompting a contentious Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. The proposed 40-acre development on Ed Schmidt Boulevard aims to bring a new data center to the city, but it faces significant local pushback. Neighbors expressed strong opposition during the meeting, citing worries about increased noise, traffic congestion, and potential environmental impacts. Concerns included higher home cooling costs and elevated ambient temperatures in the surrounding area. One resident stated they would not have moved to the neighborhood if they had known about the data center plan. Officials from Zydeco Data Center, the developer, presented the project as a "mid-scale" facility designed to operate quietly, use minimal water, and generate little traffic. They emphasized the significant economic benefits, projecting over $200 million in new taxable value for the city, which city officials noted could fund crucial public services like public safety and roads. The Tuesday meeting marked the initial phase of the rezoning process. The Hutto Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to vote on the rezoning on April 20th, with the final approval process moving to the city council on May 7th. Brianna Perez reported live from Hutto City Hall for KVUE News.