Proposed data center in Taylor draws pushback from community

A proposed billion-dollar, 135,000-square-foot data center by Blueprint Projects in Taylor, Texas, is facing strong community opposition. Residents have formed the "Halt Taylor Data Center Coalition," raising concerns about noise, light, electromagnetic fields, and air and water pollution, as well as the aesthetic impact and potential for reduced property values.

The proposed site, located on the southeast side of Taylor, was purchased by Blueprint Projects from the Taylor Economic Development Corporation for $10 million. The land was originally deeded to the Texas Park and Recreation Foundation in 1999 by the Bland family to be held in trust for future parkland use by Williamson County, a fact that residents argue was lost over time. While the property has been zoned for industrial use since 2005 and designated an employment center in 2023, the developer still requires further city approvals for platting and building permits, which have not yet been initiated.

Despite the city's projection that the project could generate $30 million in additional revenue and the school district's estimate of $20 million, the Halt Taylor Data Center Coalition has submitted a citizen ordinance and a petition with 14,000 signatures to the Taylor City Council. This ordinance seeks to remove data centers from all existing zoning districts and prohibit further approvals until a dedicated digital infrastructure zoning district with specific standards for water limits, noise caps, setbacks, and mandatory environmental impact studies is adopted. A previous lawsuit filed by residents challenging the use of the property as parkland was dismissed.

The City of Taylor has acknowledged receipt of the petition and ordinance, stating it respects and welcomes public participation and will review all submitted materials in accordance with applicable law.