Franklin County meeting could be turning point in data center debate

The Franklin County Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to hold a crucial meeting to address two controversial data center projects: the Meramec Valley Technology Park, located south of Pacific, and the Gateway Digital Campus, situated near Villa Ridge. At the meeting, the commission is expected to vote on rezoning requests linked to these developments, which have garnered significant attention from both proponents and local residents. Developers are promoting the projects as a substantial economic boon for Franklin County, touting them as potentially among the largest investments in the county's history. However, residents living in the vicinity of the proposed sites have voiced strong opposition, citing concerns over increased noise, bright lighting, negative impacts on local wildlife, and potential environmental damage to the nearby Meramec River. Resident Scott Matthews highlighted fears that the developments jeopardize the natural environment they sought for retirement and their children. In addition to the specific rezoning requests, the commission will also consider establishing new county-wide regulations for future data center constructions. Any new regulations approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission would still require final endorsement from the broader Franklin County Commission to take effect. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Union High School gym.