Independence group files lawsuit to stop Nebius data center development
A group of residents in Independence, Missouri, has filed a 16-count, 52-page lawsuit against the city and a Dutch company, Nebius, seeking to halt construction of a 400-acre AI data center. The lawsuit alleges the City of Independence violated zoning and sunshine laws, the city charter, and failed to enforce city laws, while residents report ongoing issues with construction noise and traffic. Both the city and Nebius acknowledge the lawsuit, with the city asserting its approvals were lawful and Nebius committed to compliance.
Residents along Bly Road in Independence, Missouri, have filed a comprehensive 16-count, 52-page lawsuit in Jackson County Circuit Court, aiming to halt the construction of a 400-acre hyperscale AI data center. The lawsuit targets the City of Independence and Dutch company Nebius, alleging that the city violated zoning and sunshine laws, its city charter, and failed to enforce local ordinances related to the development.
The Independence City Council had previously approved billions in incentives for Nebius to build and operate the data center at the south end of Bly Road, with Nebius breaking ground on the first phase in April. Residents, represented in the report by Todd Palmer of KSHB 41 News, describe constant issues with noise, dust, and heavy truck traffic from the construction, which often occurs "well ahead of daylight" and "well after daylight." They express frustration, stating they are "not anti-growth" but are "upset, angry, disappointed, frustrated" by how they have been treated as an "afterthought at best and an obstacle to be managed at worst." The ultimate goal of the lawsuit is to stop the project.
In response, the City of Independence stated it is aware of the lawsuit and will address the allegations through the judicial process, maintaining that its approvals and processes for the project were handled in accordance with applicable law. Nebius also acknowledged reviewing the claims but declined to comment on case specifics, reiterating its commitment to complying with all applicable laws and regulations.