Red Oak residents pack city council meeting to protest 800-acre data center project

Residents of Red Oak, Texas, turned out in record numbers to a city council meeting to protest a proposed 800-acre data center development. The project would require rezoning agricultural land, prompting widespread community opposition. Concerns voiced by residents included increased noise, demand for power, strain on the water supply, and potential adverse effects on nearby schools. Many attendees expressed frustration after the Red Oak City Council entered an executive session for nearly an hour, suspecting it was an attempt to make them leave. Despite city leaders attempting to alleviate fears by stating the data center would not use city water for cooling and highlighting potential tax revenue, residents like Martel Edwards and Kim Sterman remained unconvinced, questioning the project's proximity to homes and schools. The meeting was ongoing, with the city council expected to hear from those in favor of the data center following the extended public comment period for opponents.