Taylor Coalition Submits Petition to City Council for Tighter Data Center Regulations

The Halt Taylor Data Center Coalition, a grassroots organization, has submitted a petition with 1,400 signatures to the Taylor City Council, advocating for stricter regulations on data center development. The coalition is pressing the city to adopt an ordinance that would rezone data centers and prevent new approvals until a specific digital infrastructure zoning district with protective regulations for water, electricity, and quality of life is established. Should the City Council decline to adopt the ordinance, the coalition intends to push for a public vote on the measure during the November 3 general election.

The initiative primarily targets the Blueprint Projects Data Center, slated for Taylor’s South Side on land residents believe was intended for a park. Coalition co-founder Pamela Griffin is part of a lawsuit attempting to halt the Blueprint project, despite an earlier state district judge's ruling favoring the developer. Residents have voiced concerns regarding the potential for increased noise, electromagnetic interference, light pollution, air and water contamination, strain on the local power grid, and decreased property values from such developments.

Taylor city officials issued a statement affirming their respect for civic engagement and promised to review the petition in accordance with local laws and procedures. They also noted that the Blueprint project has only secured an Employment Center Plan approval, with subsequent platting and building permits still required and not yet applied for. Coalition founder Carrie D’Anna urged council members to support their constituents' interests over those of corporations. The Taylor City Clerk, Lucy Aldrich, is currently verifying the petition signatures to confirm they meet the required threshold for consideration by the council.