Edgerton Residents Push for Vote on Proposed Data Center
Edgerton, Kansas residents are actively opposing a proposed data center by Dimock, which was initially denied by the city council but is now appealing that decision. Residents have launched a petition seeking a public vote on the project and are fundraising to hire a lawyer to ensure government transparency and prevent the data center's development, citing concerns about water usage, heat production, and environmental impact.
Residents in Edgerton, Kansas, are actively opposing a proposed data center development by an AI infrastructure company named Dimock. The Edgerton City Council initially denied Dimock's application following significant community pushback, but the company is appealing that decision, with a city council meeting scheduled for Thursday.
Community members, including Carrie Schmidt, have launched a grassroots campaign. They are circulating a petition not to block the data center outright, but to secure a public vote on the issue, allowing Edgerton citizens to decide. Residents express concerns about a perceived lack of transparency in the development process for data centers in small towns, as well as environmental impacts such as water usage, heat production, and disruption to local wildlife, as voiced by Kimberly 20.
In addition to the petition, neighbors are fundraising through T-shirt sales to hire a lawyer. The legal representation aims to advocate for transparent government and to fight to prevent data centers from moving in. While the city's website indicates that Dimock has not requested tax abatements and the project is not expected to contaminate water or raise electric bills, residents remain skeptical about the long-term effects. Dimock has not responded to KSHB 41's requests for comment.