Franklin County planning panel tables rezoning for proposed data center after large public outcry

Franklin County’s Planning and Zoning Commission voted to table consideration of rezoning that would enable data-center development after a long public comment period in which dozens of residents raised concerns about water use, noise, transparency and historic sites. The commission chose to postpone action for six months to allow staff time to respond to testimony and gather more information.

Residents packed the meeting to oppose the rezoning. ‘‘If you move forward this data center, you are selling your community out,’’ said Claire Mueller, an environmental advocate from Villa Ridge. Tristan Moore told the panel that data centers place heavy demands on water and energy, saying, ‘‘The cloud is drying up our water,’’ and described technical measures such as PUE and water-use scopes to underline potential environmental impacts.

Speakers raised other issues that commissioners highlighted in later discussion. Kyle Mathis, who documents historic cemeteries in Franklin County, said a family cemetery lies in the middle of the property being considered and that a property manager denied his request to photograph it. Patricia Schuba, a Lisonbee resident, told the commission she could not find the proposed regulations online and cited a prior Missouri Supreme Court challenge involving Lamity Environmental and Washington University Law that required additional hearings when the public record and notice were insufficient.

Commissioners debated several options, including a one-year moratorium modeled on neighboring counties, but ultimately rescinded the moratorium motion and adopted a motion to table the item for six months. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the county commission; staff clarified the planning commission only makes a recommendation and that the three-member county commission makes the final decision. The motion to table passed on a voice vote.

Planning staff said materials that were not on the website were removed temporarily to meet ADA requirements but that proposed regulations, agendas and PDFs can be emailed on request. Staff also explained that written testimony may be submitted by email or dropped off at the office up to 4:30 p.m. the day of a meeting.

Attorney Dave Baylard, representing proponents of the rezoning, asked the commission to align tabling across related files so items could be reconsidered together. Commissioners also noted prior examples where neighboring counties had paused new data-center approvals to study cumulative effects.

The commission’s tabling means no final action on the rezoning will occur for at least six months; the item may be returned earlier if staff and commissioners determine sufficient new information is available. Staff said if future hearings are expected to draw similar crowds, the office will attempt to secure larger venues and provide additional notice.