Applicant for Killeen data center rezoning withdraws request

The city of Killeen, Texas, confirmed that a rezoning application for a proposed data center in south Killeen has been withdrawn by the applicant following substantial public opposition. The decision came after the Killeen Planning and Zoning Commission recommended disapproving the zoning request at an April meeting, where nearly 30 residents voiced concerns. The item was slated for a June 2 vote by the Killeen City Council, which would have required a supermajority of six votes to pass due to the level of opposition. Councilman Anthony Kendrick commented that the applicant's withdrawal was a wise move, suggesting the need for public education on different types of data centers to combat "misinformation." The company, OnMine, which planned to operate the facility, described it as a "high-density computational research, AI-driven grid balancing and the operation of a Virtual Power Plant" on a smaller scale, requesting a conditional use permit for 2.6 acres. Residents at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting expressed worries about quality of life issues, particularly constant humming noise and the extensive use of water and electricity, despite OnMine's claim of a closed-loop water system. Incoming Killeen Mayor Joseph Solomon and several new council members, including Debbie Nash-King, Mellisa Brown, and Beverly Williams, had previously indicated reservations about data centers, especially concerning job creation and resource consumption. Kendrick acknowledged the possibility of more data centers coming to Killeen, including one planned for Fort Hood, emphasizing the necessity of public understanding.