Camdenton residents voice opinions on proposed data center moratorium

Residents in Camdenton, Missouri, packed city hall for a meeting where the city's proposed AI data center moratorium was discussed. So many people attended that police had to turn away about 25 individuals due to fire marshal occupancy limits. The Camdenton Board of Aldermen approved an ordinance that enacts a temporary 12-month moratorium on new AI data centers. This period will allow the city to study and develop regulations for potential AI data center developments. Citizens voiced concerns about growth, with one resident comparing uncontrolled growth to cancer. Earlier, the Board had rescinded its support for an opportunity zone in the city, an action linked to the ongoing debate over data centers. Alderman Eric Phase noted that the city will continue to seek economic development opportunities, but emphasized the need for data center proposals to demonstrate self-sufficiency in water and electrical resources. Residents' top priority in this issue is ensuring sustainable development for the community.