Prosper data center faces opposition after unanimous commission vote
Prosper's Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously voted to recommend denying a proposed data center project by White Rose Partners due to local opposition. Residents raised concerns about noise, light pollution, water usage, and environmental impacts. The Prosper Town Council is scheduled to make a final decision on the proposal on September 8.
The future of a proposed data center near Prosper, Texas, is uncertain following a unanimous vote by the town's Planning and Zoning Commission to recommend denial of the project. The commission voted 7-0 late Tuesday night after receiving over 400 emails and hearing dozens of speakers, indicating significant local opposition.
White Rose Partners had revealed plans last month for the data center, which would be built on a 37-acre tract of land off FM 1385 in Denton County. Planning and Zoning Commissioner Josh Carson voiced concerns about the net benefit of the development to Prosper, acknowledging tax benefits but questioning broader economic and community advantages.
Residents from Prosper and neighboring communities expressed opposition, citing worries about noise and light pollution, excessive water usage, and potential environmental impacts. Despite developers' assurances of a closed-loop cooling system for water conservation, noise mitigation designs, and plans to fund power substation upgrades, these concerns persisted.
While developers highlighted long-term benefits such as job creation and community growth, the commission's vote is a recommendation only. The final decision rests with the full Prosper Town Council, which is scheduled to consider the proposal on September 8.