City Commission approves data center zoning measures, water policies after hours of public comment; one person arrested
The Emporia City Commission unanimously approved key zoning measures and new large-volume water/wastewater policies for the proposed Flint Hills Digital Campus after hours of public comment. City officials emphasized that this approval does not authorize construction of a data center, which will require further review and approval of a development agreement with a future end user. One person was arrested for disruptive behavior during the meeting.
The Emporia City Commission held a lengthy meeting, including over two hours of public comment, to discuss the proposed Flint Hills Digital Campus. The commission unanimously approved key zoning measures and adopted new large-volume water and wastewater service policies for future high-demand industrial projects.
While supporters argued the votes were about land use and creating opportunities for future negotiations, opponents raised concerns about transparency, environmental impacts, water usage, and developer Gary Pinkston's involvement. Despite the opposition, the commission voted 5-0 to approve a Digital Infrastructure Overlay District ordinance and to rezone 11 tracts to light industrial and industrial flex classifications. Building and Neighborhood Development Director Justin Givens confirmed the overlay district establishes additional requirements for future digital infrastructure projects, including environmental reviews and utility plans.
City officials, including City Attorney Christina Montgomery, repeatedly stressed that these actions do not authorize the construction of a data center. Any future project would require a development agreement to be negotiated with the eventual technology company operating the facility, not the current developer, Kanza Park Place and Gary Pinkston. Further public hearings, engineering studies, and local, state, and federal approvals would also be necessary before construction. The meeting saw a large crowd, with one individual arrested for disruptive behavior.