Taylor Planning Commission tables data center proposal for 90 days after pushback
The Taylor Planning Commission has tabled a data center proposal, known as "Project Mustang," for 90 days following significant public pushback. Residents packed City Hall to oppose the 665-acre development, which includes two data center buildings and an onsite power facility. The commission cited ambiguity in the proposal and a desire to honor public concerns as reasons for the delay.
Residents packed Taylor City Hall Tuesday night to voice strong opposition against "Project Mustang," a proposed 665-acre employment center that includes two data center buildings and an onsite power facility. This protest follows an earlier unsuccessful attempt by residents in July to place a petition against data centers on the November ballot, which was ruled ineligible by the city council despite 1,400 signatures.
Project officials asserted that the development complies with Taylor's water, noise, and lighting codes, and adheres to the governor's new data center requirements, emphasizing that the project would bring its own dedicated onsite power, thus not connecting to the existing grid.
However, the Taylor Zoning and Planning Commission, in a 6-2 vote, decided to table the proposal for 90 days. A commission member explained the decision was due to "a lot of ambiguity" in the presentation and a desire to "honor the request of the public" by acknowledging their concerns. Project officials still hope the site will be annexed into Taylor, but acknowledged that developers could proceed even without annexation given the site's desirability.