Introduction to the Issue
Residents of rural Hood County in Texas are voting on whether to include as an official township called Mitchell Bend. The reason behind this move just isn’t to create a thriving latest community or construct a brand new local government, but to handle a pressing issue that has been affecting their lives for the past two years. A cryptocurrency mining facility, owned by MARA Holdings, has been operating in the world, producing a continuing humming noise that has turn out to be a nuisance for the neighbors.
The Problem with the Cryptocurrency Mining Facility
The facility, situated along the foremost highway, has been in operation for about two years, and the noise it produces has been a continuing source of disturbance for the residents. Cheryl Shadden, a neighbor, said, "I moved out here for peace and quiet and to have horses and dogs and to live a quiet life." However, the noise from the power has made it inconceivable for her to benefit from the peace and quiet she desired. The noise just isn’t just loud, but it surely’s also constant, and it comes through the partitions and windows, making it difficult for the residents to sleep or enjoy their outdoor spaces.
Efforts to Address the Issue
The residents have tried to work with the power leaders, local and county governments, and even state leaders in Austin to handle the problem. However, their efforts have been unsuccessful, and the noise continues to be an issue. As a result, the residents have decided to take matters into their very own hands by incorporating as a township. This would allow them to set local noise and environmental ordinances to control the power’s operations.
The Incorporation Effort
The residents have petitioned and got the item added to the November ballot for residents in the world to come to a decision. If the incorporation is approved, the township would cover about two square miles and can be made up of a couple of hundred residents. The residents consider that by becoming an official township, they will take control of the situation and create rules to guard themselves from the noise.
Concerns and Opposition
Not all residents are in favor of the incorporation. Some are concerned in regards to the potential increase in taxes, government oversight, and native ordinances that include incorporation. They consider that these changes would undermine the explanations they moved to the unincorporated county in the primary place. Additionally, the corporate operating the power, MARA Holdings, has filed a lawsuit against the county, questioning the legality of the ballot measure and the way it got here together.
Response from MARA Holdings
A spokesperson for MARA Holdings stated that the corporate is committed to creating jobs, supporting local communities, and being good neighbors. They consider that the incorporation effort is an try to goal their business with punitive taxes and restrictive ordinances. The company has invested tens of millions of dollars to boost the location, including transitioning to immersion cooling and constructing a sound wall around the power. They claim that independent sound studies have confirmed that they operate well below state and county legal sound limits.
Conclusion
The residents of Mitchell Bend are taking a stand against the noise pollution attributable to the cryptocurrency mining facility. While some could have concerns in regards to the incorporation, the residents consider that it is the only solution to take control of the situation and create rules to guard themselves. The consequence of the vote will determine the longer term of the township and the fate of the power. Ultimately, the residents just need to find a way to sleep of their beds in peace at night and revel in their outdoor spaces without the constant humming noise. The incorporation effort is a final resort for the residents, who’ve tried all other means to handle the problem. They hope that by becoming an official township, they will find an answer to the issue and restore the peace and quiet they once enjoyed.
