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Round Rock Approves Major Data Center Despite Resident Concerns

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2026/02 .. major-data-center-despite-resident-concerns.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 13:06 GMT by Austin American-Statesman
      Locales: Texas, UNITED STATES

Round Rock, Texas - February 13th, 2026 - The Round Rock City Council yesterday signaled a continued commitment to attracting technology investment, approving Skybox Data Centers' proposed campus on Brushy Creek Road. The 6-1 vote, with Councilman Tim Morgan dissenting, comes after a public meeting where residents voiced concerns about the project's potential impact on their quality of life. While the council acknowledged these concerns, they ultimately deemed the economic benefits and strategic alignment with the city's growth objectives outweighed the drawbacks - provided certain mitigation measures are implemented.

This isn't an isolated decision. Round Rock has rapidly become a focal point for data center development, joining cities like Hillsboro, Oregon, and Manassas, Virginia, as key hubs for the digital infrastructure underpinning modern life. The Skybox project represents the latest, and one of the largest, in a wave of investment that's fundamentally reshaping the city's landscape.

So, why Round Rock? Several factors are at play. Primarily, the city boasts robust and reliable power infrastructure, a critical necessity for the energy-intensive demands of data centers. The availability of a skilled technical workforce, driven by the proximity of major universities and a growing tech sector in the wider Austin metropolitan area, is another significant draw. Furthermore, Round Rock's proactive approach to economic development, including streamlined permitting processes and incentives for businesses, has made it an attractive location for companies like Skybox.

Skybox Data Centers, a rapidly expanding player in the data center industry, is known for its focus on scalable, highly efficient facilities. The Brushy Creek Road campus is intended to serve a broad range of clients, providing colocation services - essentially renting out space and infrastructure for companies to house their servers and data. This allows businesses to avoid the substantial capital expenditure and operational complexities of building and maintaining their own data centers.

However, the project hasn't been without its critics. Residents living near the proposed site expressed anxieties about increased noise pollution from cooling systems, a surge in traffic from service vehicles and employees, and potential environmental consequences related to water usage and energy consumption. While Skybox has committed to implementing noise reduction technologies and traffic management plans, some residents feel these measures are insufficient.

Councilman Morgan echoed these sentiments, stating, "While I recognize the economic benefits of this project, I believe we have a responsibility to thoroughly address the legitimate concerns of our constituents. I don't feel we've gone far enough to guarantee a positive outcome for those directly impacted." He proposed further study of the project's environmental impact and a more detailed plan for mitigating noise and traffic, but his motion failed to gain traction.

The approved plan includes conditions such as landscaping to buffer noise, restrictions on delivery times to minimize traffic disruption, and requirements for water conservation technologies. The city also intends to closely monitor the data center's operations to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

The long-term implications of Round Rock's embrace of data center development are substantial. While the projects create jobs and generate tax revenue, they also strain local resources and alter the character of the community. The city is now grappling with the challenge of balancing economic growth with the preservation of its quality of life.

Looking ahead, Round Rock officials are exploring strategies to proactively address the potential impacts of future data center projects. This includes updating zoning regulations to establish buffer zones between data centers and residential areas, investing in infrastructure improvements to accommodate increased traffic, and promoting sustainable water management practices. The debate surrounding the Skybox project has highlighted the need for a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to data center development, ensuring that Round Rock can reap the economic benefits without sacrificing the well-being of its residents.