St. Louis delays data center zoning vote as anger grows over controversial midtown project
St. Louis officials have delayed a vote on new zoning rules for data centers following public outcry over a controversial Midtown project. Residents and officials are frustrated by the slow pace of implementing stronger protections, especially given concerns about electricity consumption and environmental impact. The proposed rules, which include stricter standards for major projects and diesel generators, are being refined based on community feedback, with calls for a full ban on data center development.
The St. Louis Planning Commission has unanimously voted to delay a decision on proposed new zoning rules for data centers, a move that has further fueled public frustration over a controversial data center project in Midtown. The delay comes amidst growing anger from residents and some city officials who believe the city is not moving fast enough to enact stronger protections against data center development, particularly regarding a facility already approved for the old Famous-Barr warehouse.
City planning executive Miriam Keller stated the delay is intended to allow residents more time to review and provide feedback on the latest revisions to the rules. These updated rules, developed in response to community input from a previous hearing, include requiring a public impact agreement for major projects, reducing the threshold for a 'major' data center to 30 megawatts, imposing tougher standards for diesel generators, and implementing measures to protect the city's water system. Additionally, they propose a schedule for reviewing the rules as technology evolves.
However, Ward 7 alderwoman Alisha Sonnier criticized the absence of a temporary moratorium while these rules are under review, arguing that proceeding with controversial developments without final safeguards eroding public trust. Many speakers at public forums have not only called for stricter regulations but for an outright ban on data center development, citing concerns over massive electricity consumption and potential environmental impacts like noise and light pollution. Ward 1 alderwoman Anne Schweitzer specifically highlighted megawatt usage as a primary concern.
The city will continue to accept written public comments and plans to revisit the proposal at a future meeting. If approved by the Planning Commission, the rules would then proceed to the full Board of Aldermen for a final vote.