Taylor to hold public meetings on zoning changes for proposed data center amid controversy
Taylor, Texas Mayor Jim Buzan apologized for a premature statement regarding proposed zoning changes for a data center project, causing controversy. In response to resident concerns and a petition, the city plans a series of public meetings and will reshuffle its Land Development Code advisory committee to address future land-development zoning.
Taylor Mayor Jim Buzan issued a video apology for the early release of a city statement concerning changes to development codes related to a proposed data center. The statement, issued July 9, preempted a City Council meeting where residents intended to voice concerns about the "Blueprint Projects Data Center" slated for an 87-acre tract on the city's south side. Critics, including the grassroots coalition HALT Taylor Data Centers, accused the city of a lack of transparency.
Buzan, who was absent from the July 9 meeting, acknowledged the error, stating it was "human error" and not malicious. He committed to ensuring transparency where possible, while noting the complexity of some issues. Residents had collected up to 1,400 signatures for a petition requesting a pause on data center development and a public vote on zoning changes in November. However, council members stated state law prohibits placing zoning changes on the ballot.
In response, Taylor officials will host multiple gatherings to discuss future land-development zoning. Buzan also announced plans to reshuffle the Land Development Code Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee to ensure better representation from districts 1 and 2, where the data center is planned. Upcoming meetings include a council session on July 23, a special meeting on July 27 to discuss wastewater and parks, an advisory team meeting on August 5, and a community feedback session in late August. These discussions aim to embed the zoning ordinances sought by the petition into the city's next comprehensive plan revision.