local
A data center proposed at a quiet corner of East Texas leaves a community bracing for a boom
By Texas Tribune, Jess Huff at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· 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 Magnolia News
The proposed data center in Angelina County has Magnolia residents watching with interest, as the same factors that make East Texas attractive to developers - available land and water - are also present in Montgomery County. As data centers sprout up across rural Texas, locals are weighing the potential economic benefits against the potential disruption to their quiet communities. The experience of Kaesha Avishai, who has already seen significant disruption to her property, serves as a cautionary tale for Magnolia residents who value their peaceful surroundings. As Angelina County considers guidelines for data center development, Magnolia officials may be prompted to do the same, to ensure that any future development balances economic growth with the needs and concerns of local residents. The outcome in Angelina County will likely be closely watched in Magnolia, as residents consider how to navigate the potential impacts of data center development on their own community.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News 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 KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 10 min
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Frequently asked about this story
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 KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Texas Tribune, Jess Huff at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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