Commission rejects proposed Killeen data center after local pushback

The Killeen Planning and Zoning Commission recently rejected a proposal for a data center project by NG Project following considerable local pushback. Residents expressed strong concerns regarding potential noise, environmental impacts, and past issues with the engineering firm involved in other local construction that allegedly caused property flooding. During the commission meeting at the utility collections building, city leaders questioned representatives from NG Project about the proposed computing and research annex on South Fort Hood Street. NG Project described the facility as a smaller-scale data center with a closed-loop water system, asserting it would use "zero water" from Killeen and would not have any runoff into local creeks. Despite the developer's assurances of minimal environmental impact and direct economic benefits through local contractors and engineering firms, community members, including a local congregation, voiced opposition. They cited the importance of quiet reflection and community gathering places, arguing the project would negatively affect their quality of life. The final vote was four in opposition and one abstention, leading to the project's rejection at the commission level. Representatives for NG Project indicated they are still in discussions for potential approval by the Killeen City Council.