Halt Taylor files Writ of Mandamus against city
The Halt Taylor Data Centers Coalition has filed a writ of mandamus to compel the Taylor City Council to allow voters to decide on a proposed moratorium and new zoning for data centers. The City Council previously declined to put the issue on the ballot, citing state law. The coalition argues the council violated the City Charter by not acting on their petition.
The grassroots organization Halt Taylor Data Centers Coalition has filed a writ of mandamus against the Taylor City Council, seeking a court order to force officials to place a decision on controlling data center development before voters in the November election. The coalition submitted a petition with 1,400 signatures asking the council to allow a vote on pausing local data center development and establishing new zoning, but the council stated on July 9 that state law does not permit zoning issues to be decided in a popular election.
Carrie D'Anna, a spokeswoman for Halt Taylor Data Centers Coalition, stated that the writ of mandamus aims to compel the City Council to fulfill its duty by either placing the petition on the ballot, accepting its terms into the Land Development Code, or offering alternative wording for a ballot measure. She emphasized that it is not the council's role to determine the legality of citizen legislation but to initiate it.
Coalition member Jose Orta added that the petition argues the council violated the City Charter by placing the certified petition on its agenda without deliberation or a vote. The proposed amendment to the Land Development Code would remove data centers from all existing zoning districts and prohibit new approvals until a dedicated digital infrastructure zone is adopted. This controversy stems from opposition to the planned 87-acre Blueprint Projects Data Center on Taylor's southeast side, which critics claim was intended for parkland.
Taylor Mayor Jim Buzan has indicated that city officials are responsive to constituents, and the city plans to gather public feedback before the council decides on approving zoning ordinances for data centers and other digital businesses, possibly in September. The council is scheduled to discuss the legal action in an executive session on July 23.