Kansas City officials denied a plan for downtown data center. Some residents vow to keep fighting

The Kansas City Plan Commission unanimously voted 6-0 to deny a proposal from Miami-based developer Revitalization Unlimited for a 20-story data center atop a historic building in the Quality Hill neighborhood. The decision came after nearly two hours of public testimony and 475 letters opposing the project, with residents expressing concerns about environmental risks, noise pollution, demolition of a historic building, and overall impact on quality of life.

Commissioners, including Matt Hasek and Tyler Enders, found the project to be an unproductive use of downtown space. Historic Kansas City Executive Director Ethan Starr also highlighted inconsistencies by the developer, who had previously placed a preservation easement on the building before proposing its demolition.

Revitalization Unlimited Partner Chris Miller asked for a continuance to conduct an independent impact study, but commissioners concluded the project's merits were clear. While the developers, led by CEO Steve Austin, are disappointed and considering their next steps, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas has publicly supported the Plan Commission's denial, stating that a reversal by the City Council is highly unlikely and would not have his support.

Local grassroots organizations, such as Sunrise Movement KC and KC Data Center Watchdog, celebrated the vote as a significant victory but emphasized that their fight against data centers in Kansas City is ongoing, calling for a total ban. This comes as the Jackson County legislature recently enacted a six-month moratorium on new data centers, which is set to expire in December. Additionally, the City Council’s Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee is set to review an ordinance to establish a Data Center Transparency Task Force aimed at better regulating future projects, though opposition groups fear this task force will not lead to a full ban.