St. Joseph City Council rejects data center advisory committee
The St. Joseph City Council voted against establishing a data center advisory committee, leading to anger and shock from residents who had advocated for its creation. Council members were divided, with some emphasizing the need for citizen trust while others asserted the council's elected responsibility to make such decisions. The city currently has a 12-month moratorium on new data center projects.
The St. Joseph City Council recently voted 3-6 to reject a resolution that would have established a citizens data center advisory committee. The ordinance, sponsored by Council member Russell Moore, aimed to provide feedback and recommendations on data center development to the planning commission and city council.
Residents, who had previously called for an 18-month moratorium and the creation of such a committee, expressed shock and anger at the decision. An organization named "St. Joe Data Center" posted on Facebook, conveying their dismay. Council member Moore argued that the committee would foster added trust with citizens, while Council member Randy Schultz countered that elected council members are responsible for making these decisions and would handle public input directly.
During the meeting, several residents spoke, urging the council to approve the committee, citing distrust and the need for safeguards for the city. Some expressed a desire to be involved in learning about data center pros and cons to help shape community benefits and protections. The city currently has a 12-month pause on new data center projects.