Olive Branch denies DeSoto County rezoning over proposed data center
The Olive Branch Planning Commission denied a rezoning proposal for the DeSoto Innovation District, which had initially included a proposed data center. Despite the data center's removal from the plan, residents continued to oppose the rezoning due to concerns over transparency. The final decision on the rezoning recommendation will be made by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.
The Olive Branch Planning Commission has denied a rezoning proposal for the DeSoto Innovation District following significant community opposition. Developers sought to change the zoning of the northwest corner of Church and Crafts Road from agricultural residential to an industrial district, claiming it would create employment opportunities and benefit residents, particularly after severe weather events.
Initially, the development plan had included a proposed data center, which sparked considerable pushback from Olive Branch residents. Although the developers later removed the data center component from the proposal, community members still voiced strong opposition during the Tuesday night meeting. Their concerns centered on a perceived lack of transparency and broken promises to the community.
Developers stated that the project, if approved, would function as a new clean fill and rubbish disposal site.
The Planning Commission's denial is currently a recommendation, with the final authority resting with the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, who are scheduled to make a decision on July 21st.