Taylor data center controversy : What began as a $10 land transfer for a future public park has become the center of a growing dispute in Taylor, Texas.
The property, originally sold by the Bland family in 1999, has since changed hands several times. Today, it is set to become the site of a proposed $1 billion Blueprint Projects data center, leaving many residents questioning what happened to the park they believed had been promised, as per a report.
A $10 land deal became a $10 million sale
According to the City of Taylor's project records, the land was sold by the Bland family for $10 in 1999. The deed notes described it as land "to be held in trust for future use as parkland" by Williamson County, as per Eco News.
The property was later transferred to the Texas Parks and Recreation Foundation, then to the Williamson County Park Foundation, and later that same year to the City of Taylor.
The city says the parkland language appeared in the deed notes but was "not a deed restriction."
In 2009, the city transferred the property to the Taylor Economic Development Corporation in exchange for 39 acres elsewhere and $15,000, as per the Eco News report. On April 11, 2025, the corporation sold the land to BPP Projects LLC for $10 million.
Residents say a promised park is being replaced
For many nearby residents, the issue goes beyond a new development. They say land they believed was meant for a public park is now being turned into an industrial project.
Opponents have raised concerns about noise, light pollution, air quality, water use and property values, as well as the impact of building a large data center next to residential neighborhoods.
Carrie D'Anna of the Halt Taylor Data Center Coalition told Fox 7 Austin that "that industry doesn't belong on that land."
Five nearby residents also filed a lawsuit arguing the property was intended to become a park. A state district judge dismissed the case in October 2025 and denied a temporary injunction. The opponents said they were pursuing an appeal.
City points to economic benefits
Taylor officials say the project could generate up to $30 million in additional city revenue over the next decade, which could be used for property tax relief, streets, sidewalks, parks and other public services, as per the Eco News report.
The city also says the local school district could receive as much as $20 million for improved facilities, higher teacher wages and other education needs.
The proposed Blueprint Projects facility would include three buildings, an electrical substation, backup generators and a closed-loop cooling system. The project is planned in three phases with a total investment of $1 billion.
A debate over the future of the land
The city says the project follows its land-use framework and notes that an environmental review found the facility would connect to the electric grid, use diesel backup generators during outages and rely on a closed-loop cooling system that is not expected to place a large demand on the city's water system, as per the Eco News report.
For residents, however, the dispute remains about more than environmental impacts. While city officials see economic development, many neighbors say the original purpose of the land should not be forgotten.
