Fort Worth Residents Confront $1.1B Data Center Plan

Community Concerns Over Proposed Data Center Development

On March 24, the Rolling Hills Elementary School auditorium in west Fort Worth was filled to capacity as residents gathered to voice their concerns about a proposed $1.1 billion data center project. The event aimed to address environmental impacts, noise levels, and the process of informing communities about zoning changes. Attendees were eager to hear from representatives of Edged Data Centers, a subsidiary of sustainable infrastructure company Endeavor, which is seeking an economic development agreement with the city of Fort Worth.

The project involves a 186-acre area near Interstate 20 and Aledo Road, close to the 5,200-acre Veale Ranch, owned by Dallas-based PMB Capital Investments. In 2025, the city rezoned this land, opening the door for potential development. On March 4, the Fort Worth City Council discussed an economic development agreement that could offer Edged Data Centers a 50% property tax break for 10 years in exchange for job creation and investment.

Residents from nearby developments such as Markum Ranch, Ventana, and Skyline Ranch expressed concerns during a meeting on March 17. These concerns led to the formation of the 2871 Community Coalition, which aims to educate members and develop a strategy as the project moves forward.

Key Presentations and Community Engagement

The meeting featured presentations from PMB Capital partner Taylor Baird and Edged Data Centers chief investment officer John Callahan, along with city officials. Fort Worth District 3 council member Michael Crain emphasized the importance of growth while ensuring it is done responsibly. He requested an informal report on data centers from city staff.

Baird shared his personal connection to the Veale Ranch, stating that it is more than just an investment. He explained that PMB had considered multiple proposals before settling on a data center, citing the availability of power through the Benbrook switch station as a key factor.

Edged Data Centers has already received approval to connect to transmission lines on the state’s power grid. The company plans to build a power substation on-site. Callahan highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainability, including the use of waterless cooling technology, which is among the first of its kind in the industry.

Resident Requests and Developer Responses

The 2871 Community Coalition has outlined eight requests for developers, including transparency about water usage, independent noise studies, and environmental assessments. Developers responded that they have already met some of these requirements or do not need to meet them.

Callahan stated that Edged has conducted environmental and auditory studies, finding that noise levels would be below Fort Worth’s ordinance. He also mentioned that the company plans to build setbacks around the data center to minimize noise impact. However, the results of these studies will not be shared due to confidentiality agreements.

Another concern raised by residents is the condition of RM 2871, a major road near the development. While the Texas Department of Transportation has proposed a $198 million road-widening project, it remains unfunded. Crain suggested that the transportation infrastructure piece of a bond package voted on in May could help fund the project.

Legislative and Infrastructure Considerations

Developers also emphasized the importance of Senate Bill 6, which allows ERCOT to remotely disconnect data centers and other large energy users during grid stress. Edged would be responsible for its own power and is building an Oncor substation.

Residents spent over two hours engaging with developers and Crain. One sticking point was the city’s strategy for notifying residents about zoning changes, which Crain said he will work to improve.

The Fort Worth City Council is set to vote on the economic development package at its meeting on March 31 at the City Council Chamber, 100 Fort Worth Trail. This decision could mark a significant step in the future of the data center project and its impact on the community.