Nebius breaks ground on 45-acre AI data center in Independence amid community opposition

Dutch tech company Nebius has broken ground on a 45-acre AI data center in eastern Independence, Missouri, amidst protests from nearby residents. The facility, located off Little Blue Parkway and Bly Road, is touted by Nebius board chairman John Boynton as an "AI factory" that will support medical research and self-driving cars, highlighting the immense and growing demand for such infrastructure. The first phase is expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2027, with construction concluding in 2029. Local residents, including Mary and Howard Hoff, expressed sadness over the development and raised concerns about the project's impact on water usage, electricity rates for Independence Power and Light customers, and wildlife. They also criticized the city council's approval of $150 billion in bonds and tax breaks for Nebius, feeling it went against public sentiment. A lawsuit filed by the group to force a city-wide vote on the project was dismissed by a judge, leaving residents feeling they have few options left to stop the development. Independence City Council Member Cody Atkinson, who supports the project, acknowledged community division but stated that Nebius has addressed concerns. He noted that the facility will generate its own electricity, avoiding impacts on local rates, and utilize a closed-loop water cooling system with minimal water consumption. Atkinson emphasized the estimated $30 million to $50 million in annual tax revenue for the city, positioning the project as a standard for beneficial data center development. Nebius also plans to collaborate with Metropolitan Community College and local school districts on STEM workforce training.