Camdenton Board of Aldermen pass data center moratorium, rescind Opportunity Zone support

The Camdenton Board of Aldermen has enacted a one-year moratorium on data center construction within city limits and rescinded support for an Opportunity Zone designation requested by MO Lake Development. This decision was a direct response to public and official concerns regarding the potential impact of data centers on local water and electricity supplies, as well as pollution. Mayor John McNabb expressed hesitation about data center developments due to perceived negative community impacts, stating the moratorium would allow the city to develop ordinances to limit data centers. Blake Hodits, CEO of MO Lake Development, described the data center as one component of a larger, early-stage development plan that includes housing, retail, and hospitality. The Camdenton Board meeting was at maximum capacity, with residents voicing strong opposition. Separately, the Camden County Commissioners also voted against supporting the Opportunity Zone designation for the proposal, and State Representative Jeff Vernetti withdrew his support, both citing data center concerns. The overall project, while still in early design, faces significant local resistance to its data center element.