Data center lawsuit in Joplin

Derek and Laura Snyder, a Joplin couple, have filed a lawsuit against Joplin Mayor Keenan Cortez, all city council members, and Wildwood Ranch LLC. The lawsuit seeks to stop a massive industrial development project, specifically a data center, after the city council approved rezoning 600 acres adjacent to the Snyders' homes from residential to heavy industrial. The Snyders claim the city council abdicated its legislative powers and acted arbitrarily by fast-tracking the data center project without conducting required traffic, environmental, or utility studies. They allege that the city approved the rezoning without a site plan or concept plan, which they contend violates Joplin's own zoning code, which states that heavy industrial uses are not compatible with residential areas. Wildwood Ranch, the developer, had previously sold the Snyders their lots in Forest View estates, marketing the area as a quiet nature-preserving community. The homeowners now argue that the industrial rezoning directly behind their property violates those original promises and will bring unwanted traffic, noise, and industrial activity to their neighborhood, while also threatening the local wildlife habitat.