St. Louis board hears appeal on $3B Midtown data center

The St. Louis Board of Adjustment conducted a five-hour virtual appeal hearing concerning a proposed $3 billion data center planned for the former St. Louis Armory site in Midtown. The hearing focused on whether the city's previously issued conditional use permit for the development should be upheld or overturned.

Environmental advocates testified against the project, citing significant environmental and public health concerns. They argued that a data center of this scale could lead to issues such as urban heat islands, pollution from diesel generators, and potential contamination of drinking water. Conversely, attorneys representing the unnamed developer urged the board to base its review on concrete evidence rather than speculation, asserting that the development team is enthusiastic about the project, which they claim would be one of the largest single private projects in the city's history.

Supporters of the data center, including St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer, advocates from St. Louis Public Schools, and union leadership, highlighted the project's potential economic benefits. They projected nearly $300 million in tax revenue over the first decade, with an estimated $33.4 million for St. Louis Public Schools in the initial year. The project is also expected to create approximately 1,000 construction jobs and 200 permanent technology positions. However, a homeowner also spoke, requesting the board reverse the Board of Public Services' approval, expressing concerns about direct harm to health and property values.

Following the extensive testimony, the Board of Adjustment is scheduled to commence deliberations on Thursday before rendering its final decision on the permit's status.