Gardner to consider data center proposal as residents voice concerns

A proposed 300-acre data center by Beale Infrastructure in Gardner, Kansas, is facing considerable backlash from local residents. The multi-building facility, planned for the southeast corner of 183rd Street and South Clare Road, has prompted hundreds of residents to organize online and express concerns, which they intend to present at an upcoming City Council meeting on Monday, May 4th. Beale Infrastructure has submitted an application to the City of Gardner, though no construction permits have been issued yet. The company's fact sheet asserts the project will not impact Gardner's power grid and will utilize a closed-loop, air-cooled system for water usage equivalent to two or three local restaurants, with no discharge into Hillsdale Lake. Additionally, the project includes road improvements and may qualify for property tax abatements, benefiting from a 20-year state and local tax exemption for large-scale data centers enacted by the State of Kansas, provided investments exceed $250 million and create 20 full-time jobs. Despite the company's assurances, residents remain concerned about various unspecified impacts. The City Council is expected to consider the proposal, with further discussions scheduled for later dates. Beale Infrastructure is also developing a data center in De Soto, Kansas.