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Bastrop eyes tighter data center zoning rules

Data centers hoping to call the city of Bastrop home could face more local oversight under zoning changes discussed by City Council on Aug. 11.

What’s changing: Council members and City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino discussed a potential zoning change that would require data centers in Industrial districts—where they are currently allowed—to obtain conditional-use permits.

Currently, the bulk of Industrial zoning is located in the Tahitian Village area just south of SH 21, between Lovers Lane and Mauna Loa Lane, and south to E. Keanahalululu Lane.

What’s next: City staff is reviewing a federal executive order on data center infrastructure before finalizing a proposal.

Carrillo-Trevino said any zoning changes would first go to the Planning and Zoning Commission before returning to council.

Zooming out: At the county level, a coalition of Cedar Creek residents will host an Aug. 20 town hall on Pacifico Energy’s proposed natural gas-fired power facility and associated data center from 6-9 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 4045 FM 535, Bastrop. 
 
Local Eats
Get an early taste of Toasted Yolk Cafe while helping Bastrop County Cares

The Toasted Yolk Cafe will give Bastrop a sneak peek ahead of its Aug. 24 opening with a two-day fundraiser benefiting Bastrop County Cares.

What’s happening: Curious diners can check out the new brunch space Aug. 21 and Aug. 22 from 8 a.m. till noon. Instead of paying for their meals, they can donate to Bastrop County Cares—a collective-impact nonprofit that works to connect, collaborate and catalyze solutions to aid residents.

Franchisee Josh Ellis—who opened Crust Pizza Co. on Aug. 12—said he selected BCC because of the organization’s ability to help a broad range of Bastrop County residents.

"We’re thankful for the opportunity to be part of this special occasion and to connect with our community as we welcome a new local business to Bastrop," said BCC spokesperson Bryleigh MacGregor.

What they offer: As previously reported, the Texas-based restaurant specializes in scratch-made breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes.

  • Fundraiser Aug. 21-22
  • Grand opening Aug. 24
  • Sendero, 853 SH 71 W., Ste. 150, Bastrop
 

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Your Weekend To-Do List

Check out these weekend events across the metro area.

As the Knife Twists

Main Street Market

Aug. 21-23, showtimes vary
Round Rock

Aug. 22-23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Bastrop

More info

More info

 

Austin Pride Parade

Puppy Plunge

Aug. 22, 11 a.m.
Austin

Aug. 23, 6:30-8 p.m.
Dripping Springs

More info

More info

 
To submit your own event, click here.

Worth The Trip
School House Pub serves craft drinks and housemade bites in East Austin

School is in session on Manor Road. Co-owners Christina and Edgar Torres are serving up elevated bar food, local brews and specialty cocktails at School House Pub, a local eatery part of the Mi Madre’s and Techo Mezcaleria & Agave Bar family. 

A family affair: Husband and wife duo Edgar and Christina Torres met at the Culinary Institute of America in New York. Years later, the pair moved to Austin, Edgar Torres’ hometown, where his parents have been running Mi Madre’s since 1990. 

The backstory: Before owning School House Pub, Edgar and Christina Torres opened Zandunga Mexican Bistro in East Austin, serving Mexican food with a modern flare.

The restaurant closed after two years, spurring the couple to transition from fine dining to a new concept. 

The couple officially opened School House Pub in 2013 next to Mi Madre’s.

From the oven: Menu highlights include the fish and chips, Asian crunch salad, mac and cheese, burgers, house-made pretzels, Italian grilled cheese and the chicken gyro with onion rings. 

  • 2207 Manor Road, Austin
 
CI Texas
Live updates: ERCOT will complete data center audit in late 2026, officials say

The Texas House State Affairs Committee heard from power grid officials; data center developers and industry representatives; local government officials; cybersecurity experts; and utility companies during an Aug. 19 hearing on the growth of data centers in the state. Dozens of Texas residents also testified about the impact of data centers in their communities.

The details: Pablo Vegas, CEO of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, said it will take the grid operator several months to audit about 200 gigawatts of data center proposals. ERCOT will request information from all large and medium-sized data centers that are expected to use at least 25 megawatts of electricity.

ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission were ordered on Aug. 3 to audit all data centers seeking to connect to Texas’ power grid. They anticipate completing that audit in late November or early December, Vegas said.

 

Your local team

Amanda Cutshall
Editor

Leslie Bradshaw
General Manager

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