Temple residents push recall effort over proposed data center

Residents in Temple, Texas, are pushing to recall city leaders following the recent approval of a third data center. The group, 'Temple Stand Together,' is actively gathering petition signatures at Temple Mall's Cotton Patch Cafe, Monday through Friday, over the next few weeks, aiming to trigger a vote that could decide if certain city officials remain in office. Last week, the Temple City Council approved the annexation and rezoning necessary for the data center project. This decision has caused significant frustration among many Temple homeowners, who feel their concerns are being ignored. One resident stated during a meeting that if the council did not pause data center development, they would pursue a recall, citing widespread community opposition visible on social media. The developer, Rowan Digital Infrastructure, and the City of Temple both defend the project and the review process. The city noted it is still negotiating with Rowan to include mechanisms to protect the city and its resources, affirming that public input is a crucial part of decision-making. Rowan Digital Infrastructure also expressed its commitment to working with the city and prioritizing the community's best interests.