Commission rejects proposed Killeen data center after local pushback

The Killeen Planning and Zoning Commission has voted to disapprove a rezoning request for a "smaller-scale data center" proposed by Project NG on South Fort Hood Street. The decision came after a meeting where numerous residents voiced strong opposition to the project. The commission voted four to disapprove and one to abstain. Concerns raised by the community included potential noise, environmental impacts, and the facility's water usage, despite Project NG's claims of using a closed-loop coolant system that would not draw water from Killeen. Commissioner Scedric Moss specifically questioned the environmental footprint and water consumption, receiving assurances from the Project NG representative that the facility would have no leaks or spillage. Residents like Jamie Carroll highlighted a lack of green spaces and past issues with the engineering firm involved in the project causing property flooding. A local pastor, whose church is next door to the proposed site, also expressed worries about the disruption to their place of worship and community gathering. Project NG representatives countered, stating the facility would have a lesser environmental impact than traditional data centers and provide economic benefits through local employment of contractors and engineering firms.