Shackleford County judge encourages open dialogue on reinvestment zones
Shackleford County Judge John M. Viertel held an informal discussion with residents about reinvestment zones and a proposed second data center in the Chimney Creek area. The initiative aimed to increase transparency and address community concerns about future development. This follows a proposal for the data center introduced at a recent county commissioners meeting.
Judge John M. Viertel of Shackleford County, Texas, initiated an informal community discussion with residents concerning reinvestment zones and proposed development, including a second data center, within the county. The event, held at the Old Albany News Building, was designed as an open conversation rather than a formal meeting, allowing residents to directly engage with county leadership, ask questions, and voice their concerns. Judge Viertel emphasized that the goal was to foster transparency and enhance residents' understanding of ongoing projects.
The discussion highlighted that Shackleford County currently has one reinvestment zone under construction and another proposed for the Chimney Creek area, located on the western perimeter of the county, southwest of Albany. This proposed site, described as a historic and scenic area, is slated for a major development project, specifically a second data center. The proposal for this second data center was formally introduced at a recent county commissioners meeting.
Reinvestment zones are designated areas where increased property tax revenues from new developments are utilized to fund eligible improvements associated with the projects. Residents at the Friday discussion expressed interest in understanding these zones and the broader implications of future development for Shackleford County. Judge Viertel expressed his intention to continue holding similar transparent conversations to maintain direct engagement with the community.