Hutto residents file a legal protest against development of the Zydeco Data Center

Hutto, Texas residents are escalating their efforts against the proposed Zydeco Data Center, filing a formal legal protest to compel the Hutto City Council to approve necessary zoning changes with a supermajority vote. Led by residents like Katie Martin and the "Stop the Hutto Data Center" Facebook group, opponents are canvassing neighborhoods near the proposed 450 Ed Schmidt Boulevard site to gather signatures from property owners within 200 feet, aiming to meet the 20% threshold required by state code. If successful, this would raise the approval requirement from a simple majority to six out of seven council members. Residents, including Jess Brown, express significant concerns about potential noise pollution and the long-term impacts of a heavy industrial zone bordering their homes. While the Hutto City Council and Zydeco Development did not respond to requests for comment from CBS Austin, Zydeco Development Principal Wes Gilmer previously stated the project aims to bring significant tax value to Hutto while being a "thoughtful neighbor." The Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to vote on the zoning change later this month, with the final decision from the Hutto City Council set for May 7.