Joplin City Council to hold public meeting on proposed data center rules
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The Joplin City Council will hold a public hearing Monday night on a proposed ordinance that would establish new standards for data centers, an effort city leaders say is intended to address resident concerns and provide clearer zoning requirements.
Mayor Rob O'Brian said during an interview on KZRG's Morning News Watch that the proposal was developed after the city zoned property on Joplin's west side for heavy industrial use, the zoning classification where data centers are permitted.
The proposed ordinance would create specific standards for future data centers, including increased setbacks from residential areas, lighting controls, noise limits and requirements for closed-loop water systems to reduce water use and lessen potential impacts on neighboring properties.
The Planning and Zoning Commission recently tabled the proposal while requesting additional information from city staff. O'Brian said the commission serves in an advisory role, allowing the City Council to move forward with a public hearing. After receiving public input, the council can approve the ordinance, amend it, table it or send it back to the commission for further review.
O'Brian said the proposed standards were drafted in response to concerns from residents about potential noise, light pollution and water usage associated with data centers.
Residents may speak for or against the proposal during Monday night's public hearing without registering in advance. O'Brian said the open-comment process is intended to encourage public participation and ensure community feedback is considered before any final action is taken.
O'Brian also reminded residents that Joplin's free storm debris pickup program begins Monday following severe storms that brought down trees and limbs across the city.
Residents should place cut limbs and tree debris at the curb before crews reach their neighborhood. City employees will not enter private property, and the collection will be a one-time pass following the city's annual leaf pickup route.
