Fort Worth city leaders spent part of Tuesday reviewing a detailed presentation outlining a proposed new data center development that has sparked growing opposition from some residents.
The presentation included 40 slides covering topics ranging from economic development and regulations to the potential impacts of data center operations. During the presentation, Assistant City Manager Jesica McEachern talked about how data centers serve an important role in everyday conveniences most people don’t give thought to regularly.
“Because I was trying to think of the examples that I wanted to share,” McEachern said, “I mean, the list is endless on what touches a data center. Even if you’re grocery shopping, while you may not be touching a data center, that grocery store is using a data center to operate and to store their transactions, to swipe your card, to pay for your groceries, or to store their inventory, to house their systems.”
The discussion follows an earlier decision by the Fort Worth City Council to delay a vote on a proposed tax abatement tied to a planned $1.1 billion data center project in southwest Tarrant County. The delay came after residents raised concerns about transparency, noise levels and water consumption associated with the project.
According to city officials, Fort Worth’s seven existing data centers have generated more than $83 million in revenue. During the presentation on data centers in Fort Worth, Jesica McEachern shared that the city has had zero complaints about its existing data centers.
Members of a resident group known as the Coalition Against the Data Center Proposal attended Tuesday’s presentation and said they plan to continue voicing concerns as the process moves forward.
“The depletion of our resources, from water use, the electrical grid, the noise pollution,” coalition member Tara Maldonado-Wilson said. “For me, I feel like there has to be a red line. There has to be a firm line to listen in about what we are willing to do in the realm of economic development.”
Coalition member Patrice Jones encouraged residents to learn more about the issue before any final decision is made.
“I suggest that they do research on their own, to look at other areas where data centers are and have popped up,” Jones said.
Tuesday’s presentation also came after Fort Worth City Council member Michael Crain submitted a letter outlining his own concerns and questions about the proposed development.
Crain issued the following statement:
“Today’s work session shows Fort Worth is serious about getting data center development right the first time. We will have a robust discussion with residents to get their feedback on these proposals and how we move forward. By requiring best‑in‑class standards on zoning and our natural resources, we are making it clear that economic growth cannot come at the expense of our neighborhoods’ health, safety and quality of life. Fort Worth is leading the way in Texas by insisting on data centers that are quieter, cleaner and more responsible, and by putting protections in place so residents see the benefits without bearing the burdens. We have one chance to get this right, and I’m proud that Fort Worth is choosing to lead, not follow, when it comes to responsible data center rules.”
No final decision was expected on Tuesday. Council members are expected to review the information presented and determine their next steps as discussions surrounding the project continue.