Fort Worth site plan for data center brings more debate among residents
The Fort Worth City Council approved amendments to the site plan for the Black Mountain Data Center, increasing the distance between the facility and nearby homes. Residents expressed significant frustration regarding the project, citing concerns about water pollution, electricity shortages, and noise.
The fight over data centers continues in Fort Worth, Texas, with the City Council recently approving changes to the site plan for the already-approved $10 billion Black Mountain Data Center. The project was initially approved last year, prior to the city's consideration of a data center moratorium.
During a recent City Council meeting, residents voiced considerable frustration regarding the data center. Concerns raised included potential water pollution, electricity shortages, noise pollution, and soil pollution. One resident highlighted worries about the zoning aspects, stating, "I'm not for or against data centers. I'm worried about the zoning, what they want in the zoning is more than what they ask for."
Ultimately, the City Council voted to approve amendments that increase the buffer distance between the data center and residential homes from the originally proposed 150 feet to 300 feet. The facility is being developed near the border of Forest Hill and Everman. Despite the motion passing, Mayor Mattie Parker indicated that discussions surrounding data centers in Fort Worth are far from over.