Fort Worth hears public feedback on data center zoning | NBC DFW
The Fort Worth Zoning Commission held a public meeting to gather feedback on proposed regulations for data centers. Residents raised concerns about noise, water use, and the impact on nearby neighborhoods. The city is attempting to balance economic development with limiting disruption to communities.
The Fort Worth Zoning Commission convened a public meeting where residents provided feedback on the city's proposed regulations concerning data centers. The meeting, attended by NBC 5's Jala Washington, involved 22 people signed up to speak, with the discussion still ongoing at the time of the report.
The City of Fort Worth is seeking a balance between advancing data center development, which has generated over $83 million in property tax revenue in the last five years, and mitigating their impact on local neighborhoods. Proposed zoning amendments, first introduced in June, include a minimum 250-foot setback from residential areas, landscaping and screening requirements, a ban on standby generators within 300 feet of homes, and requirements for acoustic barriers on rooftop cooling equipment. Additionally, the city aims to limit lighting near residential zones and update rules regarding noise and water usage. Fort Worth currently hosts four data centers totaling 3 million square feet, with five more in progress, including one under construction and two just outside city limits.
Community members voiced significant concerns, urging the city to learn more before proceeding, citing potential health impacts on residents and skepticism about corporations fulfilling promises to be "good neighbors." An online survey by the city has already garnered nearly a thousand responses and will remain open until the following Wednesday.