Cape County presiding commissioner candidates share views on data centers, planning and zoning

The three candidates for Cape Girardeau County presiding commissioner—Charlie Herbst, Joe Hobbs, and J.W. Strack—addressed questions regarding potential data center developments and the future of planning and zoning in the county during a forum hosted by the Missouri Farm Bureau on Monday, June 22. Rumors of data center plans have circulated, sparking "very vocal resistance" due to concerns over their significant water and electricity demands, which could lead to water pressure issues and increased electrical costs for residents.

Currently, Cape Girardeau County operates without county-wide planning and zoning, leaving local government with limited authority to regulate developments outside of incorporated cities, apart from state environmental regulations. The candidates offered varying perspectives on how to approach these challenges, particularly given that voters have twice rejected county zoning measures in the past 20 years.

Joe Hobbs emphasized the need for "city-size scrutiny" for large projects and pledged transparency if data center proposals emerge during his term. J.W. Strack highlighted discussions with a national landowners' rights group advocating against zoning but expressed personal concern about unregulated data centers, suggesting requirements for self-sufficiency in water and electricity and noise control. Charlie Herbst, an incumbent associate commissioner, discussed the difficulty of imposing regulations without discriminating against other industrial projects, citing a past agreement with solar farm developers in Delta to secure payments in lieu of taxes.

All candidates indicated openness to some form of "limited planning and zoning" that would protect residents and land without overly dictating private property use. They stressed that any comprehensive zoning plan would ultimately need citizen approval via a ballot initiative.