Ferguson residents push back against multi-billion-dollar data center plan
Ferguson, Missouri residents are actively opposing a multi-billion dollar data center project planned for the former Emerson Electric campus. Despite previous rejection, the city council is reconsidering the plan, with current indications suggesting it will likely pass.
During a special meeting of the Ferguson City Council, residents vehemently voiced their concerns regarding a multi-billion dollar proposal to develop a data center on the former Emerson Electric campus. The atmosphere in the meeting became so heated that the council considered taking a break.
The project, initially a $1.8 billion plan from developer Jim Anders, was previously voted down by Ferguson city leaders. However, council members Nick Kasoff and Linda Covington reintroduced the legislation, which is permissible under the city charter. The updated proposal now includes a commitment to pay $7.5 million to the Ferguson Neighborhood Improvement Program over a decade.
Mayor Adrian Shropshire expressed continued strong opposition to the project, noting his concerns are becoming "mute" as he believes the council now has the necessary votes to pass the plan to a first reading. He also highlighted that the Ferguson Neighborhood Improvement Program operates independently of the city, despite the proposed financial contribution.