05/18/2026
Crazy to think about now…
About 1–2 years ago, I had a vision for a unique concept in downtown San Angelo. The funding and ability to make it happen were there, but the project was ultimately turned down because the city/DHRC felt the concept didn’t fit the historical integrity of downtown. Protecting the look, feel, and future character of San Angelo was the priority.
Fast forward to today… where is that same energy when it comes to protecting the integrity and future identity of San Angelo?
A restaurant concept in an unused parking lot was considered too much of a change, yet now we’re discussing massive industrial-style data centers that could permanently reshape the landscape, infrastructure, growth patterns, and future of our city.
Have we really gotten so backwards that local small business concepts are viewed as a threat to the city’s character, but billion-dollar industrial developments are not?
This isn’t even about being fully for or against the project anymore. It just feels like the decision has already been made for us, and honestly that’s a sad feeling to have as someone who loves this city and cares deeply about what San Angelo becomes in the future.
That’s why I’ve decided to use this platform to express both concerns and excitement surrounding the project. My biggest concern is the cost of living for the majority of San Angelo residents. It feels like the city has been almost silent on what rising housing costs, rent, utilities, and everyday expenses could look like if rapid growth happens.
If this project is truly going to generate massive new revenue, then I want a commitment from City Council that a meaningful portion of that revenue will be passed directly back to the residents of San Angelo — not just through future infrastructure projects, but in ways that actually help families offset the increase in living costs we are about to experience.
