Frustration grows as St. Louis planning officials delay vote on data center zoning
St. Louis' Planning Commission unanimously delayed a vote on proposed zoning rules for data centers, citing the need for more public comment and review. This decision frustrated residents and local officials who believe a moratorium should have been enacted while rules were being developed. Community concerns primarily revolve around energy consumption, environmental impact, and noise pollution.
The St. Louis Planning Commission has once again delayed a vote on proposed zoning rules for data centers, nearly a month after a controversial data center project in midtown St. Louis was approved. The unanimous decision to postpone was made to allow more time for public review and additional written comments on the revised draft rules.
Miriam Keller, City Planning Executive at the Planning and Urban Design Agency, recommended the delay after significant public feedback. The postponement drew frustration from residents and officials, including Ward 7 Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier, who reiterated her belief that a temporary moratorium on data centers should have been enacted while the rules were being crafted. She argued that these delays erode public trust.
During a public comment session, city residents and anti-data center groups voiced strong opposition, calling for an outright ban on development due to concerns over energy consumption, environmental impacts, and sound and light pollution. Ward 1 Alderwoman Anne Schweitzer specifically inquired about a potential megawatt cap in future drafts of the regulations, highlighting energy usage as a primary concern.
Conversely, Henry Eubank, representing the economic development nonprofit Greater St. Louis Inc., expressed concerns that some proposed restrictions, such as those on megawatts and distance, could deter potential data center developers. If approved, the zoning rules would proceed to the city's full Board of Aldermen for a final vote.