College Station, TX, September 11, 2025
News Summary
Residents of College Station are rallying against the proposed sale of 200 acres in Midtown Business Park to Priority Power Management for a cryptocurrency data mining facility. Concerns over noise pollution, property values, and rising utility costs have led to a petition signed by over 2,000 locals. While the project promises economic benefits such as job creation and tax revenue, community members question its alignment with the best interests of the neighborhood. The city council meeting on Thursday is expected to hear public opinions on the controversial proposal.
College Station residents are set to voice their opposition at a city council meeting on Thursday regarding a controversial decision to sell 200 acres of land in the Midtown Business Park to Priority Power Management, LLC. The proposed facility is intended for cryptocurrency data mining, which has raised significant concerns among local residents.
Key criticisms raised include the lack of transparency in the approval process and potential negative impacts on the community. Residents have expressed strong feelings that the project does not align with the best interests of the city. Although many residents are not against development in general, they are questioning whether this particular project is suitable for their neighborhood. Public interest in the matter has surged, with over 2,000 residents signing a petition opposing the plan.
Following the proposal’s announcement, many residents, unfamiliar with the implications of data centers, began researching the topic. Information uncovered by community members highlighted concerns about noise pollution and additional costs that could arise from the new facility. Some residents fear that the construction of the data center will lead to increased utility rates for homeowners.
Residents like Jessica Vallone have raised alarms about how the presence of data centers can impact property values and the quality of life in residential neighborhoods. Vallone articulated fears about diminishing property values and deteriorating living conditions. Additionally, noise pollution emerged as a serious concern, prompting discussions about acceptable levels in residential areas raised by local audiologist, Dr. Hannah Evans.
The proposed data center is to be constructed near Midtown behind Costco and is anticipated to support local universities, create jobs, and generate tax revenues. However, residents have pointed to ongoing noise complaints from similar facilities in other Texas locations, which they argue disrupt daily life and community peace. As part of their strategy, Priority Power CEO Brandon Schwertner plans to ask the city council to eliminate any references to cryptocurrency in the land agreement, clarifying that the project focuses more on data and artificial intelligence.
Concerns have also emerged regarding infrastructure and utilities, particularly in terms of water allocation for the site and how the project will source its power. These financial and environmental impacts are being weighed against the potential benefits the facility could bring to College Station.
As the city council prepares for the meeting, residents are encouraged to make their voices heard by signing up with the city secretary before 2 p.m. on Thursday to participate during the public comment period. City council members report mixed feelings regarding the proposed deal, balancing potential financial benefits against the integrity of the local community.
Background Context
This proposal occurs amidst growing discussions about the rise of cryptocurrency mining facilities across the country. Data centers in general are becoming increasingly common but often carry implications that not all communities are equipped to handle or even welcome. The concerns from College Station residents reflect broader anxieties surrounding technological development and its impact on residential neighborhoods.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Midtown Business Park, behind Costco |
| Size | 200 acres |
| Type of Facility | Cryptocurrency data mining |
| Community Concerns | Noise pollution, utility costs, property values |
| Public Participation | Over 2,000 signatures against the proposal |
| Company Response | Focus on data and artificial intelligence, request to remove cryptocurrency references |
| Expected Benefits | Job creation, support for local universities, tax revenue |
FAQ
Why are residents opposed to the data center proposal?
Residents are concerned about noise pollution, rising utility costs, and potential decreases in property values. They also question the transparency of the approval process.
What is Priority Power’s response to the concerns?
Priority Power has clarified its focus is on data and artificial intelligence rather than just cryptocurrency mining. They plan to request the removal of cryptocurrency references from the land agreement.
What are the expected benefits of the data center?
The proposed data center is expected to create jobs, support local universities, and generate tax revenues for the community.
When will the city council meet regarding this proposal?
The city council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, where the council will vote on the proposed land sale.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- KBTX News
- Wikipedia: Cryptocurrency
- KXXV News
- Google Search: Data Centers and Community Impact
- KBTX News
- Google Scholar: Noise Pollution from Data Centers
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bitcoin Mining Environmental Impact
- WSJ News
- Google News: Cryptocurrency Data Centers
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
