Camdenton aldermen rescind support for opportunity zone, approve moratorium on data centers

The Camdenton Board of Aldermen voted on May 5 to reverse its prior support for a proposed opportunity zone and enacted a one-year moratorium on data center development in the city. Mayor John McNabb detailed a timeline of discussions with Mo Lake Development, starting in August 2021, regarding a 2,000-acre annexation proposal where plans for the site frequently changed. A data center was first mentioned in February 2026, when developers requested support for an opportunity zone designation. While the board initially approved a resolution supporting the opportunity zone on April 21, Mayor McNabb stated his consistent opposition to a data center in Camdenton and directed staff to draft a zoning ordinance to limit such facilities. The Aldermen echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their support for economic development but not for a data center in Camdenton. Following the vote to rescind opportunity zone support, the board approved an ordinance establishing a one-year moratorium on data center approvals, permitting, and construction. City Administrator Jeff Hooker explained this was necessary as existing industrial zoning on properties like Blair Cedar and the Modine building could have allowed data centers under current regulations. The moratorium provides time to draft and consider more comprehensive rules, potentially mirroring Camden County's requirements for developers to provide their own water and power infrastructure and meet environmental safeguards. Public interest in the issue was significant, with residents raising concerns about environmental impacts, including water usage, electricity demand, and potential pollution. Mayor McNabb announced plans to begin discussions on permanent data center regulations in the coming weeks, aiming to complete an ordinance within six to eight weeks, and encouraged continued public engagement.