Residents urge transparency and moratorium as city weighs data‑center discussions

At Monday’s Harlingen City Commission meeting, several residents pressed the commission for greater transparency and a moratorium on large data‑center proposals, saying the projects could strain the region’s water and energy resources.

Citizens’ concerns centered on recent private meetings and non‑disclosure agreements involving the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation and the mayor. Isaac Ammani Newman, co‑founder of the For the People Alliance, said EDC director Ramro Alamman confirmed discussions with an unnamed business interest and that a company identified in public remarks as “Enus Energy” holds a land purchase option that expires in July 2026. Newman told commissioners: “We need a moratorium that extends past when Enus Energy’s land contract ends in July, and we need to get started on these ordinances” to address potential impacts.

Why it matters: Speakers said that without clearer, public information — including any commitments of municipal resources — residents cannot judge the benefits or risks. Don Ray Leonard told the commission he feared secrecy and alleged the city had taken steps on airport and development matters without adequate public disclosure. Multiple speakers raised water use specifically: Newman said he had been told the city had agreed to provide “4.6 million gallons of water a day” to a project, a figure he presented as a reason to pause and craft rules.

City staff and commissioners did not announce a new ordinance or moratorium at the meeting. Commissioners acknowledged the ongoing discussions and said they planned to pursue written policies. Commissioner comments invited staff and legal review of approaches for sharing site‑visit information and ensuring quorum rules are observed when commissioners attend economic‑development meetings.

What residents asked for: Public speakers asked the commission to (1) place data‑center proposals on the public agenda rather than discussing them behind NDAs; (2) publish details of any resource commitments tied to proposed projects; and (3) adopt ordinances that would limit or set conditions on data‑center water or energy use.

What happened next: The commission did not adopt a moratorium at the meeting. Commissioners and staff said they would continue reviewing policy options and that the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation and city staff would be asked to provide updates to the public in future meetings. The meeting’s consent and action agenda proceeded on other items after public comment.