Halt Taylor files action to put data-center decision before voters
A grassroots organization, Halt Taylor Data Centers, has filed a writ of mandamus to force Taylor city officials to allow voters to decide on pausing data center development and creating new zoning ordinances. The City Council previously rejected putting the measure on the November ballot, citing state law. The coalition argues the council violated the City Charter by not acting on the certified petition.
The Halt Taylor Data Centers coalition has initiated legal action, filing a writ of mandamus to compel Taylor city officials to place a citizen-led initiative concerning data center development on the November ballot. The coalition's petition, which garnered 1,400 signatures, seeks to temporarily halt local data center construction and establish new zoning regulations specific to digital infrastructure.
City Council members previously rejected the petition on July 9, asserting that state law prohibits zoning issues from being decided by popular election. However, Carrie D'Anna, a spokeswoman for Halt Taylor, contends that it is the council's duty to either act on citizen legislation by putting it to a vote, adopting it, or offering alternative wording, rather than outright rejecting it. The coalition further argues the council violated the City Charter by not deliberating or voting on the certified petition.
The proposed petition aims to amend the Land Development Code, removing data centers from all current zoning districts and preventing future approvals until a dedicated digital infrastructure zone is adopted. This legal challenge follows previous opposition efforts against the planned 87-acre Blueprint Projects Data Center, which critics argue was designated as parkland. A state district judge in Georgetown previously allowed that project to proceed after a lawsuit. Mayor Jim Buzan stated that city officials are listening to constituents and that the petition's desired zoning ordinances will be incorporated into the next revision of the city's comprehensive plan. The City Council is scheduled to discuss the legal action in executive session on July 23.