Many residents plan to oppose a proposed data center in Red Oak

Residents of Red Oak, Texas, are preparing for a final push to oppose a massive new data center proposal set for a city council vote. The proposed development, spanning over 800 acres near FM 2377 and I-35 in Ellis County, is part of a growing trend of data center expansion in North Texas. Local residents have actively voiced their opposition, packing meetings, organizing protests, and signing petitions. During a nearly four-hour planning and zoning meeting last month, concerns were raised regarding increased traffic, significant power and water demands, infrastructure strain, and the overall fit of such a large project within Red Oak's future vision. Questions also surfaced about a reported 10-year tax abatement and whether the expected job creation would justify the project's scale. The Planning and Zoning Commission ultimately voted 3-2 to recommend denying the rezoning request. Tonight's city council meeting is anticipated to be the final opportunity for residents to weigh in before the definitive vote on the data center proposal.