Temple City Council Approves Data Center Regulations, Rowan Digital Project Amid Opposition
The Temple City Council approved new data center regulations and a proposed development by Rowan Digital Infrastructure, despite strong opposition from residents concerned about environmental impacts, water usage, and financial incentives. Mayor Davis defended the decisions, citing tax base growth as a key benefit, while residents felt their concerns were not adequately addressed.
Temple City Council approved a series of measures related to new data center regulations and a proposed development by Rowan Digital Infrastructure, following a tense 4.5-hour meeting. The session exposed a deep division between residents, who expressed significant concerns about the project's impact, and city officials, who defended the deal as a critical opportunity to strengthen the city's tax base.
Mayor Tim Davis staunchly defended the negotiations, rejecting accusations of a "corporate giveaway" and highlighting the substantial annual tax payments Rowan is expected to contribute—$42 million during the 10-year abatement period, increasing to $56 million afterward. City Manager Brynn Myers presented on the potential economic and community benefits, including an increased tax base and funding for future infrastructure projects.
The Council approved amendments establishing separate classifications for data center uses and requiring a conditional use permit for principal data centers. These new rules stipulate that data centers can only operate in light and heavy industrial zoning districts and must comply with development standards concerning residential compatibility, noise, traffic, lighting, landscaping, screening, and water-efficient cooling. Additionally, the city's water ordinance was amended to require utility service agreements for industrial developments, setting water-use limits and mandating remote monitoring. Rowan's proposed three-phase development in the Synergy Southeast Industrial Park is projected to use an average of 32,000 gallons of water per day, utilizing closed-loop cooling systems.
Despite the approvals, residents, including representatives from Temple Stands Together, voiced strong opposition, arguing the new regulations were insufficient. Concerns were raised regarding inadequate setbacks, potential environmental impacts like heat islands and low-frequency vibrations, and the "fiscal insanity" of tax abatements for companies like Rowan and Meta. Council members Zoe Grant and Mike Pilkington abstained from specific votes due to potential conflicts of interest, but the measures ultimately passed, with final readings scheduled for September 16.