Granbury resident files complaint with Texas Rangers over data center zoning
A Hood County resident who lives near land that Granbury recently rezoned for large scale industry, including a power plant for a future data center, has filed a complaint with the Texas Rangers, alleging that the city violated government codes concerning zoning and properly notifying residents in the affected area.
Kellie Chewning said she initially filed her complaint with the Granbury police, who referred it to the Texas Rangers.
A spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety told the Star-Telegram Thursday afternoon that “the Texas Rangers are aware of this information and are reviewing it, but have not opened an official investigation at this time.”
However, Chewning said she was told that the Public Integrity Unit for the Texas Rangers is investigating her complaint.
Jeff Newpher, a spokesperson for the city, said he has not seen the complaint that was filed with the Texas Rangers.
“It’s not wise to comment at this time,” he said.
In her complaint, Chewning alleged that residents weren’t given proper notification about zoning the 2,100 acres because the zoning notice listed the address of 2801 W. Highway 377, which did not reflect the true size of the tract of land.
Chewning also alleged that residents may not have received proper notification allowing them time to protest.
The complaint calls on the city to immediately investigate the zoning violation and to reverse the April 7 super majority vote to zone the land.
Chewning also said in her complaint that Granbury wasn’t transparent because no public notice was given via newspaper, website or in a meeting agenda, referring to the actual 2,100 acres that was rezoned.
Chewning alleged that property owners were deprived of their due process because the zoning notice referred to “unrelated property,” which excluded all affected parties and property owners.
“Property owners within 200 feet have the right to protest even if their property is outside city limits,” Chewning stated in her complaint.
The complaint also alleges that officials failed to disclose conflicts of interest tied to the zoning case.
Granbury is facing a lawsuit from several residents alleging that the city hid details of a proposed data center and claimed not to know what was planned for the property formerly known as Knox Ranch.
The lawsuit, filed by attorney Steven Dias with the firm Dias Hall, seeks a permanent injunction, a temporary restraining order, and a jury trial, in addition to reversing the annexation of the acreage and compensating residents for the loss of property values and the “enjoyment of their homes.”
The land, annexed in January, straddles Meadow Road, and officials said at the time that annexing the land would allow for development that would bring jobs and other benefits to the city.
Emily Holshouser contributed to this report.
This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 10:29 AM.
CORRECTION: This article has been updtead to reflec that Jeff Newpher, a spokesperson for the city, said he has not seen the complaint that was filed with the Texas Rangers. An earlier version incorrectly described who had not seen the complaint.