Edgerton pauses debate on new data center after plans failed in nearby JoCo cities
The Edgerton Planning Commission paused a debate on a new data center proposal from DAMAC Digital after approving the combination of three lots. The commission tabled the site plan discussion pending clarification on diesel generators and noise, a decision complicated by the land's existing zoning for industrial activity, which could open the city to a lawsuit if the project is denied.
The Edgerton Planning Commission recently reviewed a proposal from Dubai-based DAMAC Digital for a 382,924-square-foot data center at the Logistics Park warehousing facility in Johnson County, Kansas. The company, which operates data centers in 12 countries, seeks to combine three lots at 31800 W. 196th Street for the project.
Unlike previous data center proposals in nearby Spring Hill and Gardner, which were withdrawn due to rezoning challenges and resident opposition, the Edgerton site is already zoned for warehousing and industrial activities, meaning no zoning change is required. This makes it more difficult for the city to deny the project if it meets code requirements, with a potential risk of a developer lawsuit, according to Johnson County Post reporting.
DAMAC Digital plans to build an electrical substation and use a closed-loop cooling system recycling 15,000 to 20,000 gallons of water daily. The Planning Commission approved the lot combination but tabled the site plan discussion to address questions regarding the use of diesel generators and potential noise pollution. Edgerton residents face a different challenge than those in Spring Hill and Gardner, where opposition led to project withdrawals before debate.