Joplin City Council candidates divided on proposed data center

Ahead of the April 7 election, candidates vying for seats on the Joplin City Council are expressing diverse views on a proposed data center. Council candidate Josh DeTar, an incumbent, supports the city's decision to annex and rezone the property, arguing it provides the necessary oversight and regulatory control to address potential issues like light and noise pollution, contingent on thorough studies. Conversely, Natasha Klue-Michael, a zoning board member and council candidate, vehemently opposes the data center, citing estimates of two to five million gallons of water usage daily, minimal job creation, and negative environmental impacts. Brian Cowles Sr., another candidate, also commended the current council for annexing and rezoning the property, emphasizing that this action enables the city to regulate any business there, including requiring 17 studies before a data center permit. He contrasted this with a previously unregulated bitcoin mining facility outside city limits. Fellow candidate Mary Price noted that while the property has been annexed and rezoned, the data center itself is not confirmed, and she committed to ensuring all checks and balances are met if a proposal moves forward. Candidate Jamie Hammond stated her active involvement in fighting the data center since its consideration by the zoning board, spurred by research and public engagement. The election will determine three council members, who will likely influence the future of data center development in Joplin.