Ferguson leaders take up major data center proposal Thursday

The Ferguson City Council is poised to make a critical decision regarding a proposed $2 billion data center and technology hub development. The project, which would be located at the former Emerson campus near Lucas and Hunt Road and West Florissant Avenue, includes a significant package of over $1 billion in tax incentives. Council members are holding a special meeting to consider a comprehensive 300-page bill designed to facilitate the redevelopment. This bill has already advanced past its first reading and is now approaching a final vote for approval. However, the proposal has encountered substantial pushback from community groups. The St. Louis County NAACP has publicly called for a pause in the process, citing concerns about the rapid pace of approval and whether the local community, particularly communities of color, will be genuinely included and receive equitable benefits from such a large-scale development. The special meeting is set for Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Ferguson City Council chambers.