Ferguson City Council votes against tax breaks for data center

The Ferguson City Council recently voted against a proposed plan to grant tax breaks to a developer seeking to bring a data center to the city. The vote was tied three to three, meaning the requested tax abatements for the developer, SSL Investments, will not move forward. The redevelopment project, valued at $1.8 billion, aimed to transform the former Emerson headquarters and included plans for updating an existing data center and constructing a new one, powered by a 200-megawatt gas-fired power plant. Public sentiment overwhelmingly opposed the tax breaks, with nearly two dozen people speaking during public comment, most of whom were against the proposal. Residents like Henry raised concerns about environmental and utility impacts, questioning why the city should subsidize a project when basic infrastructure needs like street repairs were unmet. Council member Nick Cassoff, a sponsor of the package, argued the redevelopment was vital for Ferguson's economic future and would retain 300 jobs with Copeland staying in St. Louis, in addition to bringing other jobs. SSL Investments, led by attorney Jim Ander, sought a $1.5 billion tax break over 15 years for the project. Ahead of the vote, the developer's attorney addressed community concerns, offering to increase the city's received funds for infrastructure and emergency services from $500,000 to $700,000, in addition to a $250,000 emergency mitigation fund. Despite these concessions, the council's tied vote effectively blocked the tax incentive package, a decision that could significantly hinder the project's progress.