The Panhandle 1st Coalition reached out about possible talks between Amazon distribution center management and developers about building a data center near Eastridge Elementary School. The land was rezoned from agricultural to light industrial. The Amarillo Tribune reported that such a project is not currently underway.
Councilmember Tim Reid asked about the issue on Tuesday. Deputy City Manager Andrew Freeman said the land is up for sale in three parts and that city staff have not been told of any plans for it. Freeman said data centers are not currently defined in the city's land-use charter, and staff are reviewing an update to address that.
Freeman said any zoning district that allows a data center would still require another step before a specific property could be considered. He said staff are leaning toward requiring a specific use permit rather than allowing data centers by right. Staff and the Planning and Zoning Board are refining that plan.