Kansas City council members oppose downtown data center
Two Kansas City council members, Kristin and Eric Bunch, oppose a proposed 20-story data center downtown, which would replace a historic building. The developer, Revitalization Unlimited, states a data center is the most economically viable option, but the council seeks a project that contributes more to downtown's vibrancy. The City Planning Commission is awaiting further information from the developer.
Two Kansas City council members, Kristin and Eric Bunch, have publicly opposed a proposed 20-story high-rise data center intended for a downtown location, which would involve demolishing a historic building. They argue that such a project does not align with efforts to create a thriving, vibrant downtown neighborhood dependent on increased residents and employees.
The CEO of Revitalization Unlimited, the developer, indicated that while a data center makes the most economic sense in the current climate, he hasn't fully committed to it. He also mentioned placing a historic preservation easement on the property, which he says provides more options and could even lead to no development.
Council members view this as a mixed message and prefer the developer clarify their true intentions. They advocate for a project that would house people or employ individuals who would spend money downtown, contributing to the area's growth. The city Planning Commission is scheduled to hear from the developer.