Digital campus hearing to continue Tuesday as Planning Commission considers revised proposals
The Emporia Planning Commission is continuing its public hearing on the proposed Flint Hills Digital Campus, reviewing new zoning proposals for a data center project. Community members have voiced significant opposition, leading the commission to table the items for further revisions before making recommendations to the City Commission.
The Emporia Planning Commission is set to continue its public hearing regarding the proposed Flint Hills Digital Campus, a data center project, following a lengthy initial meeting. The commission is considering three key proposals: establishing a new Digital Infrastructure Overlay district with specific zoning regulations for data centers, rezoning approximately 1,065 acres west of Emporia to light industrial and industrial flex, and applying the new overlay district to the proposed project site.
During the previous hearing, more than 50 people offered testimony, with a majority expressing opposition to the development due to concerns over environmental protections, noise standards, and other impacts. Supporters highlighted potential economic benefits and tax revenue. Following public comment, commissioners unanimously voted to table all three agenda items, seeking additional revisions to the proposed regulations and clarifications from city staff before forwarding recommendations to the Emporia City Commission, which holds the final decision-making authority.
The upcoming session will focus public comment on the application of the overlay district to the site. City planning staff has clarified that the rezoning itself does not authorize construction but is an initial step to market the property, with further development approvals still required. Community opposition remains active, with a rally held prior to the hearing, signaling ongoing public engagement on the matter.