Granbury embroiled in data center controversy
Granbury is facing controversy over a proposed data center, Project Patriot, on 2200 acres of land annexed by the city council. Citizens allege insufficient disclosure about the data center before the annexation, leading to a recall petition against the mayor and most council members. The city states it has only received a concept plan and no official development plans yet.
A deep political controversy has erupted in Granbury, Texas, following a contentious City Council meeting where dozens of residents walked out in protest. The uproar stems from a proposed data center, codenamed "Project Patriot," on 2,200 acres of land near Meadowwood Road that the city council annexed earlier this year. Citizens are accusing elected leaders of failing to disclose sufficient information about the potential data center project prior to the land annexation.
This lack of transparency has sparked significant public distrust, culminating in over 1,300 registered voters—representing 15% of the electorate—signing a petition to recall Mayor Jim Jarrett and most of the city council members. Mayor Jarrett, who has served for five and a half years, refutes the recall petition, citing procedural issues and a lack of specific substance against his public record. City council member Skip Overdyer echoed similar sentiments, leading to the public walkout.
The city government maintains it has only received a concept plan for Project Patriot and has not yet received official development plans. They state that any future development would undergo the city's normal review process and must adhere to existing zoning and development standards before receiving any approvals.