Temple City Council approves key data center items amid heated public debate

The Temple City Council convened a meeting where tempers flared as residents expressed frustration over proposed data center developments and the city's handling of the projects. Council members approved two key agenda items related to a proposed phase of a Rowan data center, including the annexation of over 100 acres of land into the city and the rezoning of more than 300 acres from agricultural to planned light industrial use for the project. Mayor Tim Davis explained that a third item was adopted but not officially approved to allow for greater community transparency, with plans to revisit it later. The packed meeting followed a public letter from Mayor Davis defending the projects against community criticism. Joe Royer, an organizer of opposition efforts, highlighted ongoing concerns about electricity demand, environmental impacts, and the actual number of jobs the facilities are expected to create, noting a policy loophole for companies investing over $250 million. City Manager Brynn Myers clarified that annexing the land and partnering with Rowan Digital Infrastructure would provide the city with more oversight and benefits, including control over water usage and zoning standards. While some residents supported the project as an opportunity for growth, the city council ultimately passed the land annexation and rezoning items. Despite these approvals, community opposition is intensifying, with ongoing recall efforts against council members Mike Pilkington and Jessica Walker, and Mayor Tim Davis, citing a belief in having more than half the necessary signatures.