Data Center Frustration Boils Over
More than 75 residents attended a meeting in Winchester to oppose a proposed data center on FM 448. Residents raised concerns about water and electricity use, noise, light pollution, property values and environmental impacts, while the developer, PlaceMKR, has not responded to questions.
More than 75 people gathered at Zilss Hall in Winchester to discuss and oppose a proposed data center on roughly 414 acres north of town. Neighboring property owners Scott Parker, Derek Head and Kayli Head led the discussion, citing concerns about water and power consumption, noise, nighttime lighting, property values, wildlife, livestock and runoff.
The site was leased by La Grange-Winchester LLC, a subsidiary of Austin-based PlaceMKR. Lee County Water Supply Corporation General Manager Wade Dane said the developer has discussed using about 50,000 gallons of water per day for employees, fixtures and irrigation, but not for cooling, which is expected to use a closed-loop system. The utility may need infrastructure upgrades and is legally required to serve customers in its service area.
Fayette County officials said they had no knowledge of a tax-abatement request or nondisclosure agreements involving the project. Commissioner Jason McBroom said he participated in a meeting with county officials and project representatives and told them residents would likely oppose tax abatements. PlaceMKR did not respond to the newspaper’s questions about the project’s size, power needs or potential impacts.