Crews break ground on Nebius Data Center in Independence
Crews have broken ground on the new Nebius AI data center campus in Independence, Missouri, despite active opposition from local residents. The Independence City Council approved a 20-year tax incentive package for the approximately 400-acre project, which city leaders believe could transform the region's tech future. Opponents are pushing for a data center moratorium and are working on a recall petition for City Councilmember John Perkins.
Nebius has officially broken ground on its approximately 400-acre AI data center campus in Independence, Missouri. City leaders anticipate the project will transform the region's tech future, potentially bringing 1,200 jobs and significant infrastructure investment to the area. In March, the Independence City Council approved a 20-year tax incentive package for the project, estimated to be worth 150 billion dollars over its lifetime.
However, the project has faced significant backlash from Independence residents, with protesters demonstrating at the groundbreaking site on Bly Road. The group "Stop the AI Data Center Independence" has voiced concerns regarding transparency, environmental impact, and the speed of the approval process. Group leader Rachel Gonzalez stated that even if they cannot stop this particular development, they are advocating for a data center moratorium to re-evaluate future projects and improve the process.
City Councilmember Cody Atkinson, who was not on the council when the tax deal passed, emphasized the need for a strong community benefits agreement to ensure the project benefits the entire community. He also expressed willingness to hear residents' concerns. In addition to calling for a moratorium, the opposition group is reportedly working on a recall petition targeting City Councilmember John Perkins.