Franklin County data center projects’ rezoning faces a key decision

The Franklin County Planning and Zoning Commission is preparing to make a critical recommendation on Tuesday regarding the rezoning requests for two proposed data center projects: the Meramec Valley Technology Park, located south of Pacific, and the Gateway Digital Campus, near Villa Ridge. This decision follows months of public discussions and meetings, including a nearly 11-hour session last month. Developers are promoting the projects as a substantial economic opportunity for Franklin County, asserting that they would have minimal noise, light, and environmental impact. However, local residents have voiced significant concerns, particularly regarding the environmental implications for the Meramec River, endangered species like bats and salamanders, and potential impacts on water quality and floodplains. Scott and Sue Matthews, who live near the proposed Beltline Energy project south of Pacific, expressed worries about noise and light pollution from what they describe as a "mega industrial complex" on agricultural land, and potential worsening of flooding. Another resident, Twila Ashworth, whose family home is close to a proposed site, questioned the rapid pace of the rezoning process and called for a comprehensive environmental impact study. A point of contention arose when MoDOT removed residents' protest signs from the state right-of-way, which some interpreted as a violation of their freedom of speech, though MoDOT cited state policy. The Pacific Fire Protection District recently visited an existing Beltline Energy data center in Atlanta, GA, to better understand its operations and safety measures. Ultimately, the Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendation will be passed to the Franklin County Commission, which holds the final authority on the rezoning requests and will also consider new regulations for data centers in the county.