Independence City Council enacts six-month data center moratorium
The Independence City Council voted 7-0 to enact a six-month moratorium on new data center approvals to allow time for zoning updates. This moratorium does not impact an existing Neemias data center project, which broke ground in May. Residents' attempt to force a citywide vote on tax incentives for that project was dismissed by a judge.
The Independence City Council unanimously voted 7-0 to impose a six-month moratorium on new data center approvals. This pause is intended to give the city time to update its zoning regulations, which were written before large-scale data center projects became prevalent.
However, the moratorium will not affect the ongoing Neemias data center project, which broke ground in May. Residents living near the construction site reported constant concrete and gravel truck traffic and equipment operation. They expressed frustration that the moratorium only applies to future proposals and does not impact the existing project, whose impacts they are already experiencing.
Previously, residents attempted to force a citywide vote on the tax incentive plan tied to the Neemias project, but a judge dismissed their lawsuit. The city's draft zoning changes are expected to go before the Planning Commission on Monday, then to the City Council for consideration.