Planning Commission tables digital campus decisions after lengthy public hearing

The Emporia Planning Commission has postponed decisions on several proposals for the planned Flint Hills Digital Campus, including new zoning regulations and a rezoning application for 1,065 acres. The action followed a six-hour public hearing at White Auditorium, where more than 50 community members spoke, with the majority voicing opposition to the proposed developments and regulations.

The first item tabled was a proposed Digital Infrastructure Overlay district, intended to create specific zoning rules for data centers and other digital infrastructure. City staff, including Planning and Zoning Administrator Justin Givens, stated these regulations aim to provide clarity for future projects while increasing protections for neighboring properties, requiring utility plans, environmental assessments, and traffic studies among other measures.

Commissioners expressed concerns, suggesting increasing setback distances from residential areas from 150 to 200 feet and adding language to address environmental impacts, electronic waste, and specific noise standards. Public comment included both supporters, who cited potential economic benefits like jobs and tax revenue, and opponents, who urged for more study, a slower process, and stronger mandatory standards. One speaker, Deb Dickerhoff, specifically requested a year-long moratorium on further development.

All three agenda items, including the rezoning request and the application of the Digital Infrastructure Overlay to the project area, were tabled. The Planning Commission indicated that additional revisions to the proposed overlay regulations are necessary before recommendations can be forwarded to the Emporia City Commission. A special meeting is scheduled for June 30 to continue the consideration of these items.