Killeen Planning and Zoning Commission votes against permit for data center project

The Killeen Planning and Zoning Commission has voted 4-1 against approving a conditional use permit for a proposed data center project. The decision followed a presentation by the company OnM, acting on behalf of Four Lazy Jade Properties LLC, which sought to develop a "computing and energy research annex" on a 2.615-acre site on South Fort Hood. Both residents and commissioners raised significant concerns about the project's potential benefits and impacts on the city. Key objections focused on job creation and environmental factors. OnM co-founder Ahmad Elgamel indicated the $30 million facility would only create 14 jobs, leading Planning Commissioner Cedric Miller to question its overall community impact. Despite OnM's assurance that the data center would not use city water for cooling, residents voiced historical concerns about data centers' high consumption of water and electricity, along with the potential for noise pollution. The commission's vote effectively rejected the project's land use. Following this decision, Killeen residents are anticipated to continue their vocal opposition to any data center development in the city at a forthcoming city council meeting scheduled for June 2nd, during public comments.