Hutto Planning Commission approves data center rezoning; residents raise concerns

The Hutto Planning and Zoning Commission recently approved an application to rezone 140 acres for a proposed data center development within the Hutto Megasite, located at U.S. 79 and CR 3349. This action follows the Hutto City Council's approval of a $315 million budget and a decision to freeze water rates until 2031, with Mayor Mike Snyder expressing confidence in the city's financial management.

The proposed data center project has encountered significant pushback from local residents, particularly those in the Norman's Crossing neighborhood. Resident Nette Norman Lessner voiced concerns to the Planning and Zoning Commission about the potential impacts on quality of life, citing issues such as noise, light, water usage, wastewater, electricity demands, and construction traffic. The application was submitted by the Hutto Economic Development Corp. and aims to create a planned unit development (PUD) allowing for data center facilities and potential onsite power generation.

According to Hayne Strader, Chief Development Officer at Skybox Data Centers, a tenant for the data center has not yet been identified. The plan is to develop the land, which needs to be correctly zoned and permitted for power generation, to suit a future tenant. If power generation permits cannot be secured, the site will be repurposed for light-industrial use. The rezoning proposal now awaits a hearing and final decision from the Hutto City Council. This development comes as Governor Greg Abbott has directed state regulatory agencies to audit the power demands of proposed data centers across the state, reflecting broader concerns about grid strain.