College Station, September 16, 2025
News Summary
The College Station City Council unanimously voted against the $30 million sale of land for a controversial data center project, Project Aggie. Public outcry was significant, with over 5,000 signatures collected opposing the sale due to concerns about noise pollution, environmental impacts, and utility strains. City leaders acknowledged the community’s feedback and committed to improving future development processes, while the developer attempted to address misconceptions about the project. The decision marked a notable victory for local residents prioritizing community well-being over potential financial benefits.
College Station City Council Unanimously Rejects $30 Million Land Sale for Controversial Data Center Project
The College Station City Council voted unanimously on September 11 to reject a proposed $30 million sale of approximately 200 acres in Midtown Business Park intended for a data center project. The proposal was submitted by Priority Power Management, LLC, which sought to develop a facility named Project Aggie.
More than 75 individuals registered to speak at the council meeting, with many vocalizing strong opposition to the sale. A petition observed substantial community dissent, gathering over 5,000 signatures against the land sale and citing significant concerns such as noise pollution, procedural discrepancies, potential environmental impacts, and increased demands on local utilities.
Initially, College Station staff recommended approval of the land sale, a stance that faced considerable backlash during the public meeting. Priority Power first contacted the city council in October, followed by a non-disclosure agreement and a project presentation the subsequent November. The company proposed the development of a 600 megawatt campus featuring two two-story buildings alongside two substations, each with 300 megawatts of capacity.
Public Concerns and Council Reactions
Council members received extensive feedback from residents regarding the anticipated health impacts, noise levels, and additional utility demands the data center would impose. Many residents expressed frustration regarding the limited timeframe—only four days provided to respond and voice concerns about the project. The opposition included contributions from former city council members, a county commissioner, and local real estate professionals.
City leaders acknowledged the criticism directed at the approval process and indicated a commitment to revisit and enhance guidelines concerning future development proposals. Councilmember Bob Yancy emphasized that the rejection underscored the community’s collective stance against the data center project.
Developer’s Response
In response to community misconceptions, Priority Power Management, backed by private equity firm I Squared Capital, delineated that the proposed facility would not participate in cryptocurrency operations and assured adherence to stringent sound and utility requirements. CEO Brandon Schwertner described the data center as quieter than typical cryptocurrency operations, claiming it would employ closed-loop cooling systems yielding sound levels comparable to those in a small office environment.
Following nearly six hours of deliberation, the unanimous rejection by the city council was regarded as a significant victory for local residents opposing the development. Consequently, city officials have begun exploring alternative uses for the land in light of the sale’s rejection.
Background Context
College Station, located in Brazos County—and roughly 100 miles northwest of Houston and east of Austin—has seen increasing interest in development due to its growth. While the proposed data center promised considerable capital investment ranging from $1 billion to $4 billion, the community’s interests ultimately led the council to prioritize local concerns over potential financial gains. The development pipeline estimated timeframe stood between 24 to 32 months, prompting urgency among residents to express their positions before any final decisions were made.
Conclusion
The council’s unanimous decision against the land sale reflects the community’s resilience and determination to safeguard their environment and quality of life from potentially disruptive projects.
FAQs
What was the main reason behind the rejection of the land sale in College Station?
The City Council rejected the land sale primarily due to strong community opposition citing concerns about noise pollution, environmental impacts, and increased utility demands.
How many signatures were gathered against the land sale?
A petition opposing the land sale garnered over 5,000 signatures from concerned residents.
What is Project Aggie?
Project Aggie was a proposed development by Priority Power Management intended to establish a data center with a capacity of 600 megawatts, featuring two two-story buildings and subsystems.
Key Features of the Proposed Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 200 acres in Midtown Business Park, College Station |
| Estimated Cost | $1 billion to $4 billion |
| Planned Capacity | 600 megawatts |
| Buildings | Two two-story buildings |
| Substations | Two substations with 300 MW each |
| Development Timeline | 24 to 32 months |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- KBTX News
- Wikipedia: College Station, Texas
- Chron News
- Google Search: College Station Data Center
- Data Center Dynamics
- Google Scholar: Data Center Development
- KXXV News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Data Center
- WTAW News
- Google News: College Station Data Center
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.
