Prosper data center project blocked by zoning board

The Prosper Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously voted against rezoning land for Project Tomahawk, a proposed $580 million data center near the town's western border with Aubrey and Celina in Denton County, Texas. The decision followed significant opposition from hundreds of residents who raised concerns about noise, traffic, light pollution, and strain on utility resources, particularly electricity and water.

Commissioner Glen Blanscet cited unanswered questions about the facility's energy usage as a key reason for his denial, though he acknowledged data centers' importance for technological competitiveness. Prosper Mayor David Bristol had also urged the commission to deny the project until the town could establish specific ordinances and design standards for data centers, fearing that any approval would set a precedent.

Developer White Rose Partners, a Dallas-based firm, stated the data center would have occupied less than 20% of a 37-acre site and was expected to use approximately 301 gallons of water daily, well below the average single-family home's maximum. However, the company could not provide an estimate for power consumption, citing the absence of an identified tenant.

John Varin, senior director of development and acquisitions for White Rose Partners, highlighted the project's potential to create up to 50 on-site jobs and generate $2.5 million in annual tax revenue for Prosper. Despite these potential economic benefits, residents like Aileen Blachowski and Monica Barlow emphasized the need for transparency and local impact studies, particularly regarding noise, traffic, and environmental concerns.