On Tuesday, the Oklahoma City Council voted 6‑3 to rezone a tract of land off Interstate 40 and Frisco Road for a large‑scale data center proposed by Beltline Energy. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from residents of nearby Yukon, who say the project will impose noise and other impacts without delivering tangible benefits to their community.

Yukon residents voice frustration

“We don’t get any of the benefits, but we suffer the consequences,” said Yukon resident Joe Horn. Horn and other neighbors expressed concern that the generators powering the facility will create a “great deal of noise” that could affect daily life across the fence.

City’s financial expectations

According to the council’s briefing, the data center is expected to generate roughly $17 million in sales tax and franchise fees. Oklahoma City officials clarified that all of that revenue will remain with the city, not be shared with the surrounding Yukon community.

“It would go to Oklahoma City,” said Geoffery Butler, Oklahoma City’s planning director. “Oklahoma City will get revenue from all of the facilities located within the city of Oklahoma City.”

Mitigation measures imposed

The city has attached several restrictions to the project. Water usage is capped at 75,000 gallons, and noise levels must meet standards appropriate for a residential area. Butler noted, “We’ve required them to reduce their noise admission for something that would be appropriate for a residential area.”

Pending community benefits agreement

Before construction can begin, Beltline Energy and the city must finalize a community benefits agreement. Yukon officials hope the agreement will address local concerns, though details have not yet been disclosed.

Context of the city’s data‑center moratorium

Mayor David Holt has advocated for extending Oklahoma City’s moratorium on new data centers. The rezoning request for this site was submitted before the moratorium took effect, allowing it to move forward under the existing zoning framework.

Broader implications

The decision highlights a growing tension between regional development projects and the interests of neighboring smaller communities. While Oklahoma City anticipates significant tax revenue, Yukon residents remain wary of environmental and quality‑of‑life impacts. The outcome of the community benefits agreement will likely shape how the two municipalities navigate future infrastructure projects.

Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.