A second data center could be coming to North Richland Hills. Many residents don't want it
Residents in North Richland Hills, Texas, are opposing a proposed 330,000-square-foot data center by Provident Data Centers. Concerns primarily revolve around potential noise and air pollution, as well as the overall impact on quality of life in residential areas. The project is in the early stages of its application process, which will involve public hearings before the planning and zoning committee and the city council.
Residents of North Richland Hills, Texas, are actively opposing a proposed data center project by developer Provident Data Centers. The company aims to construct a two-story, 330,000-square-foot facility on Rufe Snow Drive, at the site of a former outlet mall.
Jack Backes, Provident's principal strategist, presented details of the project at a town hall meeting, emphasizing the potential for job creation and tax revenue, and the reuse of an aging building. However, a significant majority of the hundreds of residents present expressed opposition, citing concerns about noise and air pollution, similar to issues observed in other data center communities in the state. Residents also raised questions about the project's environmental impact studies and the identity of the future tenant.
Mayor Jack McCarty has publicly stated his opposition to data centers near residential areas in North Richland Hills. In response to growing data center development, the city is considering new regulations, including separating data centers from warehousing, implementing buffer zones, and banning cryptocurrency operations as a primary use. The Provident Data Centers project is currently in the initial application phase, which requires public hearings before the planning and zoning committee and city council for approval. City Council member Matt Blake has urged for reasonable arguments regarding the facility.