The site of a former auto repair shop in this East Texas town could soon become a 12-megawatt data center—and not everyone is on board.
Vulcan Core LLC has plans to develop a data center at 1101 and 1105 W. Erwin St. in Tyler—roughly a half-mile out of downtown. The site would become a Bitcoin mining data facility, or an industrial-scale server warehouse that helps validate and secure transactions on the Bitcoin network.
"If they don't want this in the neighborhood, that's obviously something I'm going to listen to," Hene told KETK.
The facility will "produce no emissions or dust and (store) no fuel," according to a project fact sheet, which also says the cooling system is "fully sealed" with "no public exposure of any kind." Developers added the site will not use city water or require manufacturing, outdoor storage, regular deliveries or heavy truck traffic.
"Neighbors will not see any change in the availability or price of their electricity as a result of this project," the fact sheet reads.
"Simply put, this is a location that was already designated for industrial use, and the proposed operation is intended to be one of the quieter and less disruptive types of industrial development that could occur there," developers wrote.
"Vulcan Core is investing in additional sound mitigation" facing the nearest homes and "outdoor lighting is fully shielded, so no light shines towards homes," according to the fact sheet.
What happens next?
The project is expected to go before the city's Planning and Zoning Commission on July 7 for a special use permit, according to KLTV. If approved, the project will ultimately go before the Tyler City Council.
"As a reminder, this item is still under review by the Planning & Zoning Commission. Their role is to review the proposal and make a recommendation before it ever reaches the City Council," Hawkins posted to Facebook after the community meeting. "If and when it comes before Council, I will have one vote out of seven. No single council member can approve or deny a project on their own."