Data Center Opposition Returns to Courthouse
Winchester residents urged the Fayette County Commissioners Court to take steps to stop a proposed data center planned on more than 400 acres north of town. Residents raised concerns about drainage, water, noise, emergency response, traffic and power, while the developer’s apparent parent company, PlaceMKR, has no power agreement with the Lower Colorado River Authority.
Three Winchester residents, including property owners Derek and Kayli Head and Neta Parker, brought opposition to a proposed data center before the Fayette County Commissioners Court. They asked the county to deny tax incentives, impose drainage and emergency-response requirements, and address concerns about water, noise, lighting, traffic and electricity before development proceeds.
La Grange-Winchester LLC has leased more than 400 acres on FM 448 with an option to buy; state filings indicate it is a subsidiary of Austin-based PlaceMKR. The Texas Department of Transportation said it has no plans to widen FM 448 in the area and has received no driveway permit requests. The Lower Colorado River Authority also said it has no agreement to sell power to PlaceMKR, despite operating nearby electric infrastructure.