Local artist restores Taylor city mural after vandalism
A mural celebrating Taylor, Texas's 150th anniversary was defaced with anti-data center messages but has since been restored. This incident is connected to an active local opposition group, Halt Taylor Data Centers, which has filed a lawsuit seeking to force a public vote on data center zoning controls, causing the City Council to pause its own zoning ordinance plans.
A mural in Taylor, Texas, celebrating the city's 150th birthday, was vandalized with anti-data center messages shortly after its completion by Chilean artist Gabriel Alapinta. The artwork, located in Potter's Alley and donated by Linea de Vida Church, was restored by local artist Cody Seigmund.
The vandalism is linked to the ongoing efforts of Halt Taylor Data Centers, a local coalition opposing the development of the Blueprint Projects Data Center on an 87-acre tract, which neighbors believe was intended for a park. Carrie D'Anna of Halt Taylor Data Centers commented that both the mural and the messages represent forms of communication within the community.
The coalition has filed a legal action with the 3rd Court of Appeals, requesting the court to order Taylor officials to include data center zoning controls on the upcoming November 3 ballot. City leaders contend that this request violates state law.
In response to the legal challenge, the Taylor City Council has paused its initial plans to solicit public input and vote on data center zoning ordinances in September, awaiting the resolution of the legal battle.