Franklin County residents, officials react after Planning Commission votes to move data center forward

The Franklin County Planning and Zoning Commission recently voted to recommend approval for a proposed data center development at Diamond Farms in Villa Ridge, Missouri. Simultaneously, the commission rejected a rezoning request for a similar project at the Crooked Creek Beef property. Neighbors, including Berta Carpenter and Mark Baxa, expressed deep disappointment but affirmed their commitment to continue fighting the developments. Carpenter, whose property borders Diamond Farms, described the outcome as a "gut punch" but not a "knockout," and is already coordinating with the county's planning director for next steps. Baxa criticized the commission's voting process, citing inconsistencies and a perceived lack of understanding regarding the scale and impact of the proposed artificial intelligence and quantum computing data centers. Presiding Commissioner Dave Schatz confirmed that the recommendations will now move to the Franklin County Commission for a final decision. The County Commission will hold its own public hearing, requiring at least 15 days' public notice, with the earliest possible date for a hearing around May 6. Schatz remains optimistic about the economic benefits, highlighting billions in investment, job creation, and tax revenue, and dismissed residents' concerns about noise, water usage, lighting, and heat based on tours of existing data centers, including Meta's facility in Altoona, Iowa. He also refuted accusations of improper dealings, stating they lacked truth. Opponents, including the Franklin County Rural Coalition and Pacific Routes, plan to rally supporters and present organized testimony to the County Commission, focusing on "material facts" and the healthy enjoyment of their properties. They remain resolute despite the planning commission's mixed decision.