Another North Texas city approves rezoning for new data center as residents voice concerns

The Red Oak City Council voted 4 to 1 to approve a rezoning request for an 830-acre high-tech industrial park, intended for a new data center campus, despite significant community pushback. Hundreds of frustrated residents packed the Red Oak City Hall, voicing concerns ranging from potential noise and pollution to falling home values and a feeling of not being heard by their city leaders. The proposed development, backed by Compass, would become the sixth data center campus in Red Oak, adding to existing facilities from companies like Google and DataBank. While city leaders and supporters highlighted the potential for tax revenue and economic growth, many residents believe Red Oak is already over-saturated with data centers. Opposition extends beyond Red Oak, with Somervell County Commissioners recently voting to try to limit data centers and power plants, and Ellis County passing a similar resolution last month. Red Oak residents have vowed to continue their fight, with organizers warning that this growing movement against data center expansion is spreading across North Texas.