Residents say Red Oak sign warnings target data‑center critics
Residents in Red Oak, Texas, are receiving notices from the city regarding their "No Data Center" yard signs, which they view as a targeted effort to suppress opposition to data center development. The city maintains the notices are for compliance with existing sign ordinances and not a restriction of speech. This issue highlights the ongoing conflict between residents and city councils over data center projects in North Texas.
Red Oak, Texas, has become the latest battleground in the ongoing dispute over data center development, as residents allege the city is using sign ordinances to suppress their opposition. At least eight residents reportedly received notices last week regarding their "No Data Center" yard signs, with homeowners like Cindi Stephenson and Lonnie Janssen asserting this constitutes "selective enforcement" and infringes upon their First Amendment rights. Another resident, Sharon Cotton, noted that other types of signs had not previously received similar code compliance violations.
Initially, the warnings suggested that permits were required for the signs or fines would be levied. However, a resident later stated the city clarified that while permits are not necessary, signs must not be placed too close to the road. The City of Red Oak issued a statement asserting it had not cited any residents, only requested compliance with existing ordinances, and confirmed that such signs are permitted on private property.
Despite the city's stance, residents remain defiant and do not plan to remove their signs. This local dispute reflects a broader regional conflict in North Texas, where numerous data centers have been built or are planned. While proponents argue data centers bring jobs, opponents, including Stephenson, accuse the city of making "secret deals" regarding development.