Topeka couple questions transparency after data center company cancels in-person meeting
A Topeka couple accused Compass Datacenters of a lack of transparency after a representative cancelled a scheduled in-person meeting upon seeing a news crew. The couple, whose family owns land near the proposed site in Shawnee County, expressed concerns about the project's impact and the company's communication. GO Topeka confirmed awareness of the proposed data center but noted an application has not yet been submitted.
Ben and Carol Marple of Topeka, Kansas, expressed significant concerns about transparency after a representative from Compass Datacenters reportedly cancelled a private meeting upon the arrival of a 13 NEWS crew. The meeting was intended to discuss a proposed data center development near the Marples' historic family property, located off Southwest 77th Street and Burlingame Road in Shawnee County.
The Marples, who invited the news outlet to the scheduled Wednesday, July 15 meeting at a site owned by GO Topeka, stated that Compass Datacenters' chief development officer left the area upon seeing the news van. Carol Marple criticized the company's actions, calling it a lack of transparency and secrecy, especially as they plan to hold a public forum soon.
GO Topeka, a local economic development organization, acknowledged interest in a data center in Shawnee County but noted the project is in its early stages and no application has yet been submitted for review. The Marples also indicated that 40 acres might not be sufficient for the development, suggesting broader impacts on surrounding landowners, and insisted all affected property owners should be included in discussions. Ben Marple expressed skepticism about the project's future, anticipating its failure.