Clyde City Council rejects proposed AI data center lease after residents speak out
The Clyde City Council unanimously rejected a proposed 180-day lease agreement for a potential AI data center, cryptocurrency mining, or other commercial use. Residents vehemently opposed the project, citing concerns about noise, light pollution, traffic, health risks, and impacts on property values and wildlife. The decision means no AI data centers will proceed in the city.
The Clyde City Council in Clyde, Texas, unanimously rejected a proposed 180-day lease agreement for a potential AI data center or cryptocurrency mining operation following overwhelming public opposition. The meeting was packed with residents who spoke against the proposal.
Residents voiced significant concerns including noise, light pollution, traffic, potential health risks, and impacts on property values, wildlife, and infrastructure. Linda Ingram, a resident living next to the proposed site, highlighted concerns about the close proximity to her home and family. Another resident, whose family has owned land across from the proposed site since 1924, questioned the transparency and long-term implications, fearing that opening the door to such a lease would be difficult to close.
Although city leaders clarified that the vote was merely for a temporary study lease and not a final project approval, and mentioned the city's $44 million debt, they ultimately sided with the residents. The council's decision effectively cancels any future discussions about an AI data center in Clyde.