St. Joseph City Council to vote on data center study contracts Monday

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The St. Joseph City Council is set to vote Monday on two ordinances tied to zoning and development guidelines for potential data center projects.

The council is considering a contract with GBA Inc. for up to $42,440 to study data center development and recommend zoning changes and development guidelines. The review would address electric and water infrastructure, land use, environmental impacts, public services, costs and community concerns.

The council is also considering a contract with Renew Missouri Advocates for up to $10,750 for community outreach and legal services related to data center development. The firm would also recommend zoning updates and potential changes to the city’s code of ordinances.

The ordinances received a first reading at the previous City Council meeting. Several residents spoke, urging council members to weigh how data center development could affect the community.

City Manager Mike Schumacher said the process is rooted in residents’ concerns.

“That’s exactly what we’re doing,” he said. “That’s exactly what the community asked for was this pause for 12 months to get zoning classifications, guardrails, if you will, kind of laid out.”

The council is also set to vote on a development plan for Bryan St. Joseph Apartments. The complex would be at 5408 N. Pointe Drive, behind the YMCA.

The ordinance would allow the city to issue up to $40 million in bonds to help Bryan St. Joseph Apartments LLC build a 180-unit market-rate apartment complex. The project would receive property tax abatements on the improvements and a sales tax exemption on construction materials.

Separately, the council is set to vote on adding 55 parking spaces along Southwest Parkway between Fleeman Street and Mason Road. The request says the extra parking is needed for more students at Benton High School under the district’s redistricting.

The ordinance has been on the agenda for the past two council meetings but was postponed both times. In July, the council delayed it so the traffic commission could review the project. In September, members raised concerns about the parking and asked whether other options could be considered.

Schumacher said the council wants to work with the school district on the project.

“Make sure every option has been explored, and get a deeper understanding of their needs,” he said.

The St. Joseph City Council meeting is at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, in the Council Chambers at City Hall.