Forney City Council to Weigh Data Center Restrictions and Mulberry Park Upgrades
The Forney City Council will convene to discuss a potential text amendment to its zoning ordinance aimed at removing data centers as a conditional use and potentially prohibiting them within city limits. The council will also hear an appeal regarding a previously denied data center facility. These discussions could significantly impact future data center development in Forney.
The Forney City Council is set to meet on Tuesday, July 21, to deliberate on several key issues, most prominently a potential change to the city's approach to data center development. Mayor Pro Tem Sarah Salgado and Council Member James Traylor have requested a discussion to initiate a text amendment to the city's zoning ordinance. This proposed amendment seeks to remove data centers as a conditional use in Light Industrial districts and could lead to their complete prohibition within Forney's city limits. This discussion follows prior legislative activity and aims to provide clear direction to city staff for future review by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Council.
In addition to the broader policy discussion, the Council will also address specific development matters, including an appeal against the previous denial of a proposed data center facility on F.M. 1641. Other agenda items include funding considerations for renovations at Mulberry Park, a joint session with the Forney Crime Control and Prevention District to review budget expenditures, and a presentation by Kaufman County Judge Jakie Allen regarding a Regional Housing Authority. The meeting will also feature various administrative actions, board appointments, and public hearings for conditional use permits, concluding with an open forum for citizen comments.