A proposed data center project in Taylor, Texas, faces a legal challenge from local residents who claim the facility is being built on land designated for parkland. The lawsuit has temporarily halted construction, sparking a community effort to preserve the site for its intended use.
Key Takeaways
- A lawsuit filed by Taylor residents has temporarily stopped a data center project.
- Residents argue the land was originally intended for a public park.
- The property was sold by the city's economic development corporation for $10 million.
- A court hearing is scheduled for September 29 to determine the lawsuit's future.
Legal Challenge Halts Blueprint Data Center
Pamela Griffin, a Taylor resident, is leading a lawsuit against Blueprint Data Centers. She, along with three of her siblings and another local resident, filed the suit. Their legal action claims the data center is under construction on restricted land. This land, according to a 1999 deed, was granted for future use as parkland.
As a direct result of the lawsuit, a judge issued a temporary order. This order has blocked the project from moving forward. The plaintiffs are using inherited funds to cover attorney fees. Griffin stated, "We just have to take our money that our parents saved for us for hard times and fight."
Community Mobilizes Against Development
The plaintiffs are not fighting alone. Taylor resident Carrie D'Anna created a local Facebook group. This group aims to keep residents informed about the lawsuit's progress and to organize community support. D'Anna emphasized the importance of collective action.
"We realize as a community, we don't have a lot of money or a lot of power, so we have to bring our bodies and our voices, and we're just trying to bring that together and show up as much as possible, because right now, that's what we need," D'Anna said.
Residents like Griffin and D'Anna are actively engaging with their neighbors. They go door-to-door, distributing information flyers and discussing the implications of the data center. Their efforts highlight a strong desire within the community to influence local development decisions.
Project Details
- Developer: Blueprint Data Centers
- Proposed Facility Size: 135,000 square feet
- Components: Three 45,000-square-foot buildings, on-site electricity substation
- Purpose: Data storage, artificial intelligence processing
- Location: Just inside the Carlos G Parker Boulevard loop in southeast Taylor
- Purchase Price: $10 million from the city's economic development corporation
Disputed Land Use History
The property at the center of the dispute is located in southeast Taylor. It is situated just inside the Carlos G Parker Boulevard loop, between Martin Luther King Boulevard and the railroad tracks. Blueprint Data Centers acquired this site from the city's economic development corporation last year for $10 million.
The company's website notes the site is approximately five minutes from Samsung's new $44 billion chip factory. This proximity suggests a strategic location for data infrastructure, supporting the region's growing technological presence.
Original Intent for Parkland
The lawsuit hinges on a land deed from 1999. This deed shows that the previous owners, the Cromwell family, granted the property to the Texas Parks and Recreation Foundation. The stated purpose was "to be held in trust for future use as parkland."
Griffin recalls playing on the land as a child. She said Frank Rhea Cromwell, a member of the family, promised the land for a park. "He knew we needed something, and he was willing to give it to us," Griffin stated.
City's Stance
The property changed ownership multiple times. It was eventually transferred to the city of Taylor in 2004. The city states on its website that the property has been "zoned industrial" since 2005. This zoning change occurred when the city updated its comprehensive plan.
When KUT News asked the city about the lawsuit, a spokesperson provided a brief response: "The City of Taylor is not party to any lawsuit related to Blueprint Projects Data Center. We do not have any additional information or insight."
Community Concerns and Future Actions
Residents express disappointment with the city's handling of the land. Griffin believes the city disregarded the community's wishes and the land's original designation. "It breaks my heart that they didn't do what they [were] supposed to have done — the city of Taylor," Griffin said.
She added that the city might have underestimated the community's resolve. "It felt like they thought we didn't have the power to fight back, so they just went ahead and done what they wanted to do," Griffin explained. She emphasized her determination to continue the fight.
Upcoming Court Hearing
A crucial court hearing is scheduled for September 29. At this hearing, a judge will review the lawsuit against Blueprint Data Centers. Residents are urged to attend to show their support.
D'Anna hopes this case will establish an important precedent for future development in Taylor. "I'm hoping that it sets a precedent as we move forward, because Taylor's growing," she noted. She believes this is an opportunity for Taylor residents, especially those on the south side, to voice their concerns to city officials and staff about how growth impacts existing communities.
The outcome of this legal battle could significantly influence how future development projects are approached in Taylor, particularly regarding land use and community involvement.