St. Joseph City Council to consider rezoning properties, data center ordinances Monday
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The St. Joseph City Council plans to hold a public hearing to rezone several properties along Mitchell Avenue and one property at 1207A South 33rd St. at its Monday meeting.
The city wants to change these properties from neighborhood commercial zoning to two-family residential zoning.
The rezoning would affect 17 properties along Mitchell Avenue: 3306, 3309, 3303, 3216, 3312, 3305, 3310, 3219, 3307, 3217, 3215, 3223, 3220, 3214, 3221, 3218 and 3311 Mitchell Ave., as well as 1207A South 33rd St.
The ordinance does not necessarily mean new homes or duplexes will be built. It changes what types of uses are allowed under the zoning rules.
The council plans to vote on two ordinances related to zoning and development guidelines for potential data center projects.
The two ordinances were postponed at its last meeting after questions arose about whether the proposed consultants do business with data centers.
During the meeting, several residents urged council members to consider how data center development could affect the community, with some also raising concerns about the proposed contract with GBA Inc.
According to its website, GBA Inc. provides turnkey data center services for handling the entire planning, design, construction and maintenance process.
The council has amended the city's contract with GBA Inc.
The original ordinance stated GBA Inc. will provide the city with certain services related to data center development, including recommended zoning revisions and development guidelines, among other things, in an amount not to exceed $42,440.
The ordinance now states that GBA Inc. will provide the city with certain services related to data center issues, including recommended zoning revisions and development guidelines to protect St. Joseph residents and their property, among other things, at a cost not to exceed $42,440.
The contract would still 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 city council meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26, in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
