Franklin County residents rally against proposed data centers ahead of zoning meeting

Residents of Franklin County, Missouri, convened on Sunday to intensify their opposition to two proposed data center developments situated on Crooked Creek in Pacific and Diamond Farms in Villa Ridge. Community members, including Nancy Watson, who lives near one of the proposed sites, voiced strong objections regarding the potential disruption to their way of life, particularly highlighting the scale of the 100-foot-tall buildings and the estimated 6 to 10 years of construction. Watson emphasized that residents desire a county-wide vote on the matter, rather than a decision made by a small group of officials. Ahead of a crucial Planning and Zoning Department meeting scheduled for Tuesday, residents organized a fundraiser, collecting $6,700 to support their efforts and educate others. Lawyer Steve Jeffery, who also represents clients opposing a Festus data center, criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the negotiations, stating that discussions have occurred "behind closed doors for months." Samuel Dean of the Pacific Root Coalition further argued that the proposed industrial complexes are inappropriate for agricultural and residential adjacent land. While some residents acknowledge the potential benefits of new jobs and county funding that the data centers might bring, the predominant sentiment at the rally was one of resistance. If the Planning and Zoning Department recommends approval, the Franklin County Commissioners are expected to vote on rezoning and ordinance amendments in May.