Fort Worth, Benbrook residents meet with developers proposing $1.1B data center

Residents of west Fort Worth and Benbrook gathered at Rolling Hills Elementary School on March 24 to question developers about a proposed $1.1 billion data center. The project, led by Edged Data Centers, a subsidiary of Endeavor, seeks an economic development agreement with the City of Fort Worth, potentially including a 10-year, 50% property tax break in exchange for jobs and investment. The development site, comprising 186 acres near Interstate 20 and Aledo Road on the 5,200-acre Veale Ranch owned by PMB Capital Investments, was rezoned by the city in 2025. Residents from nearby communities, including Markum Ranch and Ventana, formed the 2871 Community Coalition to organize their opposition, citing concerns about environmental impact, noise, water usage, and a lack of transparency regarding zoning changes and studies. During the meeting, PMB Capital partner Taylor Baird and Edged Data Centers Chief Investment Officer John Callahan addressed the community. Callahan highlighted Edged's use of waterless cooling technology and adherence to noise ordinances, though he stated specific study results could not be shared due to confidentiality. Concerns also arose regarding potential traffic congestion on RM 2871, a road with an unfunded $198 million widening project proposed by the Texas Department of Transportation. Fort Worth District 3 Council Member Michael Crain indicated the city's upcoming bond package could help fund the road improvements and committed to addressing resident notification strategies for zoning changes. Developers also referenced Texas Senate Bill 6, signed by Governor Greg Abbott, which allows ERCOT to disconnect large energy users like data centers during grid stress. Edged Data Centers has secured approval to connect to the state's power grid and plans to build an Oncor substation on site. The Fort Worth City Council is expected to vote on the economic development package on March 31.