Texas city sells farmer's donated parkland for $10M data center development, breaking 1999 deed agreement
By
Mark Tyson
A baker's-dozen of insight crammed into one ring.
Summary
In 1999, a farmer donated 87 acres of land in Taylor, Texas, to the city for $10 with a deed restriction requiring it to be used as community parkland. In 2025, the city sold the land for $10 million to a data center developer, sparking legal battles with residents who are trying to stop the construction. The developer has won several court cases, and locals are now planning to appeal. The city expects $30 million in tax revenue over the next decade from the 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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