College Station, September 9, 2025
News Summary
A proposed data center in College Station has ignited concerns among local residents and developers who fear it may jeopardize the vision for the Midtown district. Developer James Murr, representing 450 homeowners, argues that the establishment of the center could hinder efforts to create a vibrant community with shops and housing. Residents express dissatisfaction with the expedited decision-making process and its potential impact on community growth. The City Council is set to address the proposal amid significant opposition from the community.
College Station is at the center of a heated debate regarding a proposed data center that developers and residents believe may threaten the future of the Midtown district, an area aimed at becoming a vibrant, walkable community filled with shops, restaurants, and housing options. Developer James Murr has expressed grave concerns over the potential establishment of this data center on Midtown Drive and Corporate Parkway, fearing it might derail the much-anticipated vision for the area.
Murr has actively communicated his objections to the City Council, advocating not only for himself as a developer but also for 450 local homeowners who invested in the Midtown concept. Since 2011, he has collaborated closely with the city to bring this vision to fruition but is now troubled by the prospect of a data center, which is projected to employ only 45 people across a sprawling 200 acres, contrary to the promise of creating a substantial employment base.
Residents of the Midtown area, under a 2015 agreement, have been contributing property taxes to a redevelopment fund with the understanding that Murr would meet specific economic development targets. Shelby Behm, a local resident, has criticized the data center plan, stating that in contrast to the promised walkable community and recreational facilities, residents are now confronted with inadequate commercial growth, despite paying additional taxes to support such developments.
Murr urges caution, suggesting that selling land for immediate financial returns could pose long-term risks to the overall development of College Station. To further express their concerns, Murr and Behm are scheduled to address the City Council during a meeting where the data center proposal will be discussed as the last agenda item.
City officials have clarified that the proposals for the data center are not finalized, indicating that further feasibility studies and agreements concerning water and power supply must be established before any decisions can be made. Some residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the city’s notification process regarding the proposed data center, arguing it has been overly expedited and has not allowed sufficient community input.
Concerns have been raised regarding the data center’s geographical location near residential neighborhoods, with critics highlighting potential issues such as noise pollution and environmental ramifications, including the impact on water and electricity supply infrastructures. Following news of the proposed sale, a petition opposing the plan has gathered more than 2,000 signatures, signaling significant community apprehension.
The upcoming City Council meeting is expected to address the financial implications of the data center development alongside community interests. This meeting will coincide with a separate capital improvement project along Rock Prairie Road East, which aims to improve infrastructure in the Midtown area in anticipation of future growth.
Despite ongoing efforts, the Midtown development has struggled to achieve its original commercial and residential ambitions, with discussions surrounding the 2015 Economic Development Agreement still in progress. This agreement dictates that the city retains property tax revenues until specific development milestones are met, serving as a framework intended to support Midtown’s growth.
FAQ
What concerns have residents raised about the proposed data center?
Residents have voiced concerns regarding its location near residential areas, potential noise pollution, environmental impacts, and the rapid decision-making process that they believe lacks adequate community input.
What is the historical context of the Midtown development?
The Midtown district has been in development for over a decade, aiming to create a mixed-use community. Residents have been paying specific property taxes since 2015 to support economic development, anticipating a vibrant community that includes shops, restaurants, and housing.
What is the current status of the data center proposal?
The proposal for the data center is not yet finalized. City officials have stated that further studies and agreements must be established before proceeding.
Key Features of Midtown Development Proposal
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Midtown Drive and Corporate Parkway |
| Size | 200 acres |
| Jobs Created | 45 jobs projected |
| Community Tax Agreement | Residents pay taxes to support development until milestones are reached |
| Community Concerns | Noisy proximity to homes, environmental impacts, rapid decision-making process |
| Signature Opposition | More than 2,000 signatures collected against the proposal |
| City Council Meeting | Discussion of financial implications and community interests scheduled |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- KBTX News
- Wikipedia: College Station, Texas
- WTAW News
- Google Search: College Station Midtown Data Center
- KBTX News
- Google Scholar: College Station Midtown Development
- KXXV News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Data Center Development
- KBTX News
- Google News: College Station Midtown Data Center
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
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