Texas city sells farmer's donated parkland for $10M data center development, sparking legal battle
By
Mark Tyson
Pure flour-power. Hearty enough to carry you through lunch.
Summary
In 1999, a farmer donated 87 acres of land in Taylor, Texas, to the city for $10 with a deed restriction requiring it be used as community parkland. In 2025, the city sold the land for $10 million to a data center developer, who has since won legal battles against residents trying to stop construction. The disgruntled locals are now planning to appeal the decision, highlighting a conflict between honoring a donor's intent and pursuing economic development.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledBack in 1999, 87 acres of land in Taylor, Texas, was donated (nominal fee $10) to the city by a farmer, with a condition in the deed that it would be used for community parkland.
In 2025, the land was sold for $10M to a data center developer, who has won several legal battles against the nearby residents who are trying to stop the massive construction project.
Now, the disgruntled locals are planning to take their case to an appeals court.
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