Franklin County Planning and Zoning Approves Diamond Farms Data Center Project

The Franklin County Planning and Zoning Commission has approved the Diamond Farms data center project, a significant step towards developing a hyperscale data center campus near Gray Summit, Missouri. The project, often referred to as the Gateway Digital Campus, is being spearheaded by an unnamed data center developer in partnership with property owners. This decision follows an extensive period of public engagement, technical review, and intense local debate. Hundreds of residents voiced concerns at public meetings, focusing on issues such as water usage, environmental impacts, noise, and changes in land use. Over 170 individuals provided input during one extended hearing, highlighting the community's keen interest. The approval is considered a crucial milestone for Franklin County's economic future, with projections indicating the project could generate tens of millions annually in new tax revenue for schools, emergency services, and infrastructure, based on similar Missouri projects. Despite the Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendation, the project still requires final review and approval from the Franklin County Commission.