Texas Attorney General Investigates Taylor Data Center Project Amid Parkland Dispute
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into the development of a 135,000-square-foot data center in Taylor, Texas, on land that was once intended for a community park. This project by Blueprint Projects Data Centers has sparked community protests, an active lawsuit, and calls for new zoning regulations. Paxton stated his office would determine the legality of the land's use for a data center and take action if necessary.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into a proposed 135,000-square-foot data center in southeast Taylor, Texas, developed by Blueprint Projects Data Centers. The controversy stems from the land's history; it was reportedly transferred in 1999 to the Texas Parks and Recreation Foundation to be held in trust for future parkland use. However, the Taylor Economic Development Corp. later sold the property to a data center developer for $10 million, with the land eventually purchased by NCP Travis TPP Project LLC, the investor behind the Blueprint project.
Paxton's office aims to determine if the property can legally be used for a data center, threatening court intervention if necessary. This investigation follows a 2025 lawsuit by residents, led by figures like Pamela Griffin, to dedicate the site to parkland. Although the suit was dismissed by 395th state District Court Judge Ryan Larson in Georgetown due to a lack of financial standing, it is now under appeal. Critics, including the group HALT Taylor Data Centers, welcome the Attorney General's involvement, emphasizing the community's desire to honor the original intent for parkland and protect against large corporate interests.
Local opposition also focuses on noise, potential pollution, and strain on water and the power grid, alongside criticism of government tax incentives for data centers. HALT Taylor Data Centers is pushing for a November 3 ballot initiative to amend the city's zoning codes to specifically address digital industries, a policy the city officials are already reviewing. Up to four data center projects are reportedly planned for the Taylor area, further escalating the local debate.