City staff recently had inquiries about data centers within Talty. The reports were based on a website's map with closely aligned dots alleging two parcels having been identified as project sites. The areas are on undeveloped parcels on the north side of I-20 and FM 1641. We do not know the basis of the website's decisions; but staff communicated with property owners, potential developers and area utility providers of the two so labeled sites and other undeveloped areas within the City.  No plans for Talty data center projects or zoning change requests have been submitted or discussed. Those same parties are aware the zoning change process includes notifications to nearby property owners and public hearings prior to official actions. The parties were also informed of the likelihood of significant opposition at the required public hearings.

To be proactive, we plan to gather info and update zoning requirements to better account for data centers and other potential uses involving growing technological fields. However, our zoning authority does not extend to unincorporated areas, though the City does have platting authority in its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). Basically, this allows some authority on 'ground down' items such as roadways and drainage within the ETJ; not the projected land use.