Video shows disruption during Osawatomie City Council meeting with data center developer
Residents disrupted an Osawatomie City Council meeting discussing a proposed $1 billion data center by Alcove Development. A resident holding a "Hell No Alcove" sign was escorted out by police after yelling, with other residents joining in protest. The meeting aimed to present potential benefits of the 283-acre data center, but residents expressed concerns about infrastructure impact and the city's handling of public comment.
The Osawatomie City Council meeting experienced significant disruption as residents protested a proposed $1 billion, 283-acre data center development by Alcove Development. During the Thursday evening meeting, a resident identified as Lee Brewer, holding a "Hell No Alcove" sign, was escorted out by police after yelling and being joined by other vocal attendees. The meeting was the first public engagement attempt by Alcove Development to highlight potential community benefits of the project.
Local reporter Ryan Gamboa from KSHB 41 Kansas City has been covering the project, noting that residents, including Donna Ingram who lives near the proposed site, have voiced strong opposition, citing concerns about the scale of infrastructure and land impact. Residents were particularly critical of the city's decision to change public comment guidelines for this meeting, requiring pre-submitted questions and limiting speaking time, a departure from a promised town hall format.
Additionally, a property owned by Pacific Apartments, LLC, which operates from Alcove Development's address, was brought up by residents. This blighted former school building at 1009 Pacific Avenue in Osawatomie is now subject to a city investigation due to its deteriorating condition and safety concerns. Alcove Development had previously signed a pre-development agreement with the city in 2023 for its redevelopment. KSHB 41 is awaiting comments from city officials and Alcove Development regarding the night's events and the project's status.