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A data center proposed at a quiet corner of East Texas leaves a community bracing for a boom
By Texas Tribune, Jess Huff at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 9, 2026
· 10 min read
Subscribe to The Y’all — a weekly dispatch about the people, places and policies defining Texas, produced by Texas Tribune journalists living in communities across the state.LUFKIN — Kaesha Avishai picked her corner of East Texas five years ago. It was, for her, the ideal spot — close enough to t...
Key takeaway LUFKIN — Kaesha Avishai picked her corner of East Texas five years ago.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
As San Antonio watches the developments in East Texas, it's clear that the growth of data centers is not just a rural issue, but a statewide concern. The availability of land and water in areas like Angelina County makes them attractive to developers, but it's crucial for local governments to consider the long-term impact on communities. In Bexar County, officials should take note of the concerns raised by East Texans and proactively develop guidelines for data center development, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the cost of residents' quality of life. The experience of Kaesha Avishai and her neighbors serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need for transparent and community-driven decision-making when it comes to large-scale developments. By learning from the experiences of other counties, San Antonio can prepare for its own potential data center boom and prioritize the needs of its residents.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 10 min
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What is this story about? Subscribe to The Y’all — a weekly dispatch about the people, places and policies defining Texas, produced by Texas Tribune journalists living in communities across the state.LUFKIN — Kaesha Avishai picked her corner of East Texas five years ago. It was, for her, the ideal spot — close enough to t...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Texas Tribune, Jess Huff at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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