San Marcos Blocks Billion-Dollar AI Data Center Project
The San Marcos City Council voted 5-2 to deny a proposed zoning change for a billion-dollar AI data center project on Francis Harris Lane. The decision followed a lengthy public meeting with significant community opposition, forcing the developer to wait at least six months before resubmitting a similar proposal.
On February 18th, the San Marcos City Council voted 5 to 2 to reject a proposed zoning change that would have allowed for the construction of a billion-dollar AI data center on Francis Harris Lane. The decision followed an extensive council meeting on February 17th, which lasted until 3:00 a.m. the following day and saw over 130 concerned citizens attend, many of whom set up booths, displayed signs, and spoke against the ordinance during public comments.
City Council member Josh Pulk stated that the consensus that the center would not be the best economic solution for San Marcos influenced his change of mind. The denial means the developer is required to wait a minimum of six months before being able to resubmit a similar proposal. This outcome is widely considered a significant victory for the San Marcos community.