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Enid officials to consider zoning steps for four-site data center proposal
Enid’s mayor and commissioners are scheduled to discuss zoning applications for Project Thunderbird, a proposed data center spread across four locations. Developers tout dedicated power and hundreds of permanent jobs, while some residents oppose the project and data center water use is under scrutiny across Oklahoma.
Enid’s mayor and board of commissioners are scheduled to discuss zoning applications for Project Thunderbird, a proposed data center development planned across four locations in the city.
The meeting is set for 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Stride Bank Center. The zoning discussion is one of several steps required before construction could begin; no approval is reported as having been granted.
Project representatives say the development would have a dedicated power source and create hundreds of permanent jobs. Jason Singer of Plainsmen Holdings described the proposal as a partnership that could transform Enid for generations.
Some residents have voiced opposition. Jacob McNew, who opposes the project, said he has heard agreement across political lines that the data center should not be built in the community.
The debate comes as cities around Oklahoma examine data-center land use and zoning, with water consumption among the concerns. Enid’s discussion will address the project’s zoning applications, but the available details do not specify the sites, proposed water demand or the applications’ exact terms.