Mayor Buzan’s statement
To view Mayor Jim Buzan’s address, follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1394518475913502
Mayor Jim Buzan Friday issued a video apology for the premature release of a city statement about why changes to development codes prompted by a proposed data center won’t be on the Nov. 3 ballot.
The controversy stems from the “untimely” release of the prepared statement July 9 before residents aired their concerns during a City Council meeting that same day, prompting cries of foul from critics of the city’s decision.
Meanwhile, Taylor elected officials will hold a series of gatherings to address future land-development zoning changes, partly in response to residents who signed a petition over worries about the Blueprint Projects Data Center coming to the city’s south side.
Buzan, who was not at the July 9 meeting, pledged in the social-media post to ensure transparency at City Hall whenever possible.
"We released some information before we had an opportunity to have any discourse about it. For that, I want to apologize. It was not done with malice or intent. It was simply a human error and we made a mistake. We sincerely apologize for that,” said Buzan, a longtime Taylor resident and local businessman elected in May.
He added, “We also understand the need for transparency. The council grapples with a lot of complex issues. At the same time, we can be transparent on some issues, but some we can't."
Up to 1,400 signatures were collected for a petition calling on the city to pause data center development and let voters decide during the November general election. At the July 9 meeting, however, council members said state law prohibits zoning changes from being placed on the ballot.
Instead, the city is collecting public feedback and could consider zoning changes in September to be decided by the council and enacted as ordinances.
Members of the grassroots coalition HALT Taylor Data Centers have criticized the city’s stance.
Buzan in the Friday video segment said the council will work to reshuffle the Land Development Code Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee to include more representatives from districts 1 and 2.
The data center is set for an 87-acre tract in District 1.
The session is set for the council meeting 6 p.m. July 23 at City Hall, 400 Porter St.
"It was recognized that even though we follow the same processes that other cities follow, we do not have adequate representation from districts 1 and 2. The council will take immediate action to correct that at the meeting Thursday,” Buzan said. “The reason that's important is because all of the zoning ordinances that the petition wanted to see will be embedded into the next revision and comp plan. It is vitally important that we get this right."
The mayor also said a special-called meeting will take place July 27 in which an advisor will discuss the wastewater and parks master plans.
Another comprehensive plan meeting is set for Aug. 5 with the new advisory team. Buzan said there will be broad input from the community.
In addition, city leaders in late August will hold a community feedback session. Buzan said the council plans to do things “a little more creative in how they get input from the community.”
No date has been set.
