De Soto data center plans to offer $1,000 to households; neighbors skeptical
Digital Realty plans to provide De Soto, Kansas, households with up to $1,000 annually from a $20 million community investment tied to its proposed hyperscale data center. Residents opposed to the project say the payments do not address their concerns about long-term impacts and are petitioning to block the development.
Digital Realty says it will invest $20 million in the De Soto community and provide nearby households with up to $1,000 per year for property taxes and utility costs. The company said the payments are intended to accelerate community benefits and help offset anticipated increases in residents' bills as part of its approach to responsible development.
The proposal has drawn skepticism from residents who oppose both hyperscale data center developments under consideration in De Soto. A petition seeking to block the projects has collected more than 400 signatures, with neighbors saying they still want answers about long-term impacts and other unresolved issues. Digital Realty did not provide an on-camera interview but said the development reflects its commitment to local partnerships; tax incentives and tax-increment financing are also expected to be considered.