De Soto neighbors take aim at massive data center developments during city council meeting
De Soto residents expressed strong opposition to two proposed data center developments at a city council meeting, citing concerns about excessive energy and water use and environmental pollution. Both the city administrator and a representative from Digital Realty acknowledged the community's concerns. Another company, Beal Infrastructure, is also proposing a larger data center.
De Soto, Kansas, is experiencing significant community opposition to two proposed data center developments, drawing a large crowd to a recent city council meeting. Residents voiced concerns about the projects' potential impact on local resources, specifically highlighting excessive energy and water consumption and potential pollution to land and water streams. Hellen Polizzi and Jeni Wakefield were among more than a dozen residents who spoke against the proposals during public comments, urging city leaders to consider the citizens' concerns.
City Administrator Mike Brungardt acknowledged the validity of these concerns, stating the city is committed to addressing them. Rafal Rak, Senior Vice President of Leasing and Development for Digital Realty, a company involved in one of the proposals, expressed excitement about the De Soto location and the desire to be a good community partner. Opponents noted a successful effort in nearby Gardner, Kansas, where a similar development was blocked, and suggested withholding tax incentives could discourage developers.
The debate is expected to continue, with the De Soto City Council scheduled to meet again on June 18. Before that meeting, Beal Infrastructure, the company behind the second, larger proposed data center, plans to host an open house at De Soto High School to discuss its project with residents.