Franklin County data center projects draw packed crowd, opposition at planning meeting

The KMOV St. Louis report details a contentious Franklin County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting where hundreds of residents gathered at Union High School to oppose two proposed data center projects. These projects, identified as "Gateway Digital Campus" and "Beltline Energy," seek to rezone agricultural land near Villa Ridge and Pacific for industrial use. This follows a previous meeting where the issue was tabled for six months, leading some residents like Sam Dean to feel disheartened by the repeated consideration. Opponents express concern that rezoning could lead to industrial developments next to their properties, regardless of whether it's specifically a data center. They highlight that the decision, currently a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission, will move to the Franklin County Commission for final approval. Supporters, including a local trades union spokesperson, argue that the projects would bring thousands of high-paying union jobs and significant economic growth to Franklin County, promising minimal noise, light, and impact. However, many residents remain unconvinced by these assurances, viewing the projects as a threat to their rural community's way of life.