Small Kansas town pushing back against data centers
Residents in Osawatomie, Kansas, are actively opposing a proposed billion-dollar data center project by OW Cove Development, citing concerns about noise, water consumption, and a natural gas pipeline. Despite no formal action by the city council, community members packed City Hall to express their discontent and advocate for a moratorium, similar to one previously enacted by Miami County.
Residents of Osawatomie, Kansas, are vocalizing strong opposition to a proposed billion-dollar data center project by OW Cove Development located at 335th and Osawatomie Road in Miami County. The community's concerns, amplified by Miami County Reporter Ryan Gamboa of KSHB 41, primarily revolve around potential noise, excessive water consumption, and the presence of a natural gas pipeline under a resident's property.
Property owner Troy Heart expressed fears that living near the proposed data center would be untenable due to these circumstances. The City of Osawatomie had previously entered a pre-development agreement with OW Cove Development earlier this year, which included tax breaks. However, Miami County has already passed a moratorium on data centers, and Heart is actively working to propose a similar moratorium to the Osawatomie City Council.
On a recent Thursday night, neighbors filled City Hall to express their opposition, despite the city council not having the data center project on its agenda for formal action. Residents voiced fears about water scarcity, contamination, air quality, noise, and light pollution. Even famed actor and Miami County resident, Forrie J. Smith, known for his role in "Yellowstone," shared his concerns. City Manager Brett Clendening indicated that the developer is expected to provide project elements to the city within a month, as the six-month option period of the pre-development agreement concludes. Residents, like Heart, hope their voices are heard before a permanent decision is made.