City council votes to approve $6B data center despite citizens showing up in droves to oppose it

The Festus City Council in Missouri has approved an ordinance paving the way for a $6 billion data center project proposed by developer CRG, the data center arm of Clayco. The decision was made during a special meeting, held at Festus High School due to anticipated large attendance, where residents filled bleachers to protest the development. Despite 39 people signing up to speak, Mayor Sam Richards limited public comments to 25 residents over two hours. Residents, including Lauren Albers, who lives near the proposed site, expressed frustration over the perceived rush to development and lack of information, fearing the council had already decided. Concerns were raised about the data center's potential impact on homes, as well as broader issues like energy and water consumption, pollution, and noise. Resident Matthew Ramsbottom warned the council they were "putting the city at risk." City Attorney Brian Malone defended the project, citing the potential for $80 million in annual tax revenue for Festus, even with a five-year tax abatement. The council ultimately voted 6-2 in favor of the ordinance, which includes requirements for CRG to fund infrastructure upgrades to water, sewers, and streets. This decision reflects growing tensions nationwide between tech companies and local communities over data center construction, with some areas successfully blocking projects while others, like Festus, proceed despite significant local opposition.