Power Down: Killeen Planning Commission Blocks $30 Million Data Center

The Killeen Planning and Zoning Commission recently voted 4-0 to recommend the denial of a conditional use permit for a $30 million data center project in South Killeen, Texas. The proposal, brought forward by ONMINE, representing Four Lazy J Properties, faced significant community backlash and commission skepticism. Ahmed and Ziyad Elgamal, co-founders representing ONMINE, presented the facility as a "virtual power plant" designed to work with ERCOT to stabilize the state's energy infrastructure. They highlighted that the 2.6-acre facility on S. Fort Hood Street would not use local water for cooling, a frequent point of contention for data centers in Central Texas. The company also promised to fund local fiber infrastructure improvements. However, residents and commissioners remained unconvinced. Commissioner Scedric Miller questioned the project's economic benefit, noting it would only create 14 full-time jobs. Environmental concerns, particularly noise pollution and the substantial electrical draw, were also raised by local community members. Despite city staff acknowledging the project's alignment with Killeen's economic plan due to its proximity to an electrical substation, the commission ultimately sided with the vocal opposition. The final decision on ONMINE's project now rests with the Killeen City Council.