Fate of Midtown St. Louis data center to be determined in late July after delay in appeals process
An appeal hearing for a controversial 120-megawatt data center project in Midtown St. Louis, part of the $3 billion Armory Innovation District, has been delayed until July 29. Thirteen appeals were filed against the project, which residents oppose due to concerns about energy costs, environmental harm, and noise pollution. The city is also preparing new zoning rules to regulate data center development.
An appeal hearing concerning a controversial data center project planned for Midtown St. Louis has been postponed until July 29. The data center, which would be the largest in the city at 120 megawatts, is a component of the larger $3 billion Armory Innovation District.
Thirteen appeals against the project, slated for the old Famous-Barr warehouse, were originally scheduled for review by the city's Board of Adjustment. The delay was granted at the request of one of the appealing parties. Public opposition to the data center has been significant, with community members expressing concerns about increased energy costs, environmental impact, and noise pollution during numerous town hall and public meetings. Developers Rod Thomas and David Daneshforooz argue the project would generate approximately $423 million in tax revenue over its first decade.
Despite a request from Mayor Cara Spencer to delay the vote, the city's Board of Public Service approved a conditional use permit for the project in April. Concurrently, the city is developing new zoning regulations to govern where data centers can be built and to set standards for their energy and water consumption, as well as noise levels. A second reading of this zoning bill is scheduled for an upcoming Board of Aldermen meeting.