As planned data centers around the state stay in the headlines, opposition to a local project is developing.
The San Angelo City Council approved a rezoning application in the PaulAnn area that paves the way for a planned data center being developed in conjunction with the City of San Angelo Development Corporation during their Dec. 2 meeting.
At the heart of most opposition campaigns is the amount of water required to keep the computers cool, and the amount of electricity they require.
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Critics say a main factor driving the problem is the fact that, in the Western half of Texas where water is a seriously limited resource, land and property taxes are comparatively cheap.
A social-media post from West Texas Indivisible recently urged community members and stakeholders to show up on this issue.
“It seems they have a plan and a company they’ve been working with already, and now that the zoning was approved, they just have to present plans to committees for approval, and then to City Council for approval,” a representative of the group said in the post.
“There is still time for us to stop this, but we need to act fast and have representation at every City Council meeting.
“Development Corporation Meeting is this Wednesday, December 10 at 8:30a if anyone is available to attend.”
That post included an embedded San Angelo City Council meeting where the issue is discussed around the 1:41:30 mark.
On May 6, 2025, the San Angelo City Council approved a land sale to Skybox Data Centers for $50,000 per acre, according to agenda-packet information.
On June 19, Shawn Humphries with Fox West Texas reported on the project, and said city officials “believe San Angelo could see a long-lasting financial boost. Skybox could pay at least $17 million for the land alone.”
The City of San Angelo Development Corporation will meet at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, 8:30 a.m. in the East Mezzanine of City Hall, 72 W. College Ave.
