Three months later: Looking into Camdenton’s data center moratorium
Camdenton city leaders are three months into a one-year data center moratorium, enacted due to strong resident opposition to a proposed opportunity zone that mentioned a potential data center. The city's planning and zoning commission is researching ordinances and restrictions, as residents prioritize protecting the local environment and Lake of the Ozarks.
The city of Camdenton, Missouri, is three months into a one-year moratorium on data centers, a measure enacted by the city's Board of Aldermen. This action followed widespread resident opposition in May against a proposed 2,000-acre opportunity zone that included the prospect of a data center. Local resident Justin Peer stated that people are "furious" and universally opposed to a data center in the area, not just to regulations.
Mayor McNabb noted that while he initially didn't view the data center mention as alarming, he heard and responded to the citizens' concerns. Since the moratorium, the city has directed its planning and zoning members to research and formulate ordinances with specific restrictions. The mayor emphasized that residents' priorities haven't wavered, focusing on protecting and preserving the wildlife and natural environment, especially the Lake of the Ozarks, which is a major concern for Camden County residents.