Ferguson residents question developers about potential data center

Ferguson residents expressed significant concerns at a recent City Council meeting over the proposed redevelopment of the former Emerson campus into a mixed-use facility, which includes renovating and potentially expanding an existing data center. Developer SSL Investments LLC, led by Onder Law managing partner James Onder, is spearheading the project. Residents packed the Ferguson City Council chambers, raising questions about potential impacts on water supply, energy consumption, environmental pollution, and noise levels. They also voiced strong opposition to a proposed 15-year real estate tax abatement and an up to 15-year personal property tax abatement for the development. Onder and Husch Blackwell lawyer Ernesto Segura addressed some of these concerns. Segura stated that the existing data center is LEED Gold certified, and future utility impacts from development would be offset by infrastructure improvements funded by the project. Onder noted that Emerson already has a private water contract and that the new facility would use a closed-loop water system. He also highlighted plans for renewable energy and no expected increase in electricity usage from Ameren, though a diesel backup generator would operate for short periods. Despite these assurances, residents like Jackie Lewis-Harris and Mildred Clines felt their questions were not fully answered and worried about the broader implications of a larger data center, including its impact on city services due to tax abatements. Christopher Sudlik also questioned the job creation potential of data centers. Ferguson mayoral candidate Adrian Shropshire acknowledged the need for economic development but desired more information. The council ultimately passed a resolution allowing the city manager to enter into negotiations with SSL Investments LLC for the 217-acre facility, with conditions including job retention and creation targets.