Edgerton denies Logistics Park data center proposal, as city weighs broader moratorium
The Edgerton Planning Commission denied DAMAC Digital's application for an $860 million data center, citing issues with fuel storage and land planning principles. This decision follows community concerns over environmental impacts and comes as the Edgerton City Council prepares to consider a six-month moratorium on data center applications.
The Edgerton Planning Commission voted 3-2 to deny a data center application from Dubai-based DAMAC Digital for an $860 million project within Logistics Park Kansas City. Commissioners Adam Draskovich, Jeremy Little, and Jordyn Mueller voted for the denial, while Chair Tina Mathos and Commissioner Ray Soemer opposed it. The denial was based on the application's failure to meet city code standards for good land planning and site engineering design principles, specifically regarding above-ground fuel storage, which city code requires to be below ground.
DAMAC Digital had previously presented their plans to convert a 400,000-square-foot warehouse into a data center but were asked to provide more information on diesel generators and noise levels. Despite a follow-up presentation addressing these and other community concerns, including water usage and air pollution, the commission deemed the revisions insufficient before the denial motion was made. City Attorney Todd Luckman had cautioned the commission that denials must be code-based to avoid litigation.
Local resident Kellie Wakefield expressed that the denial was a "short-term victory" and urged the city to update its code to specifically regulate data centers, ensuring future prevention of similar issues and protection of city resources. Following this decision, the Edgerton City Council is scheduled to consider a six-month moratorium on new data center applications. This pause would allow city staff to conduct in-depth research and review potential changes to the city's zoning code.