Franklin County data center projects return to planning commission Tuesday with frustration about the process

Two data center projects, the Gateway Digital Campus and a Beltline Energy project, are seeking to rezone agricultural land for industrial use in Franklin County, Missouri. The Gateway project has faced opposition from the Unnerstall family, who have deep personal ties to the nearby Rock U Ranch property. The family is concerned about the impact of the data center on their land and way of life. The Franklin County Planning and Zoning Commission previously tabled the Gateway project for six months, but it has since been brought back. The Unnerstalls and other residents are concerned about the lack of communication and transparency in the process. The commission will also consider new county regulations governing data centers at the upcoming meeting.