St. Joseph City Council postpones vote on data center study contracts
The St. Joseph City Council postponed votes on two proposed ordinances governing zoning and development guidelines for potential data center projects. The council is considering contracts with GBA Inc. and Renew Missouri Advocates, but residents questioned the firms' affiliations and the fairness of the proposed studies and outreach work.
The St. Joseph City Council delayed votes on two proposed data center ordinances after residents raised concerns about contracts with GBA Inc. and Renew Missouri Advocates. GBA, which provides turnkey data center planning, design, construction and maintenance services, is being considered for a contract exceeding $42,000 to study data center development and recommend zoning and development guidelines.
The review would examine electric and water infrastructure, land use, environmental impacts, public services, costs and community concerns. Renew Missouri Advocates is being considered for a contract exceeding $10,000 for community outreach, legal services and recommendations on zoning and potential changes to the city code. Residents questioned whether companies connected to data center development could provide impartial advice and urged the council to strengthen protections for public health and residents. The council plans to revise the ordinance language before bringing the proposals back for a future vote.