Residents of Pacific and rural Franklin County are being asked to accept a massive industrial project that would permanently alter our community, our environment, and our way of life. An out-of-state developer, Beltline Energy, has proposed a 16-building, $16 billion data center campus on roughly 500 acres just south of Pacific, near the Meramec River. Hundreds of residents packed City Hall to voice opposition, and nearly every public speaker raised serious concerns.

This proposal, known as the Meramec Valley Technology Park, would take years to construct and would bring constant industrial activity to a quiet, rural area known for its natural beauty, river access, and proximity to state parks. Neighbors have raised alarms about noise, environmental harm, wildlife disruption, water use, and flood risks tied to development near the Meramec River. These concerns have not been fully or clearly answered.

The developer has not publicly disclosed how much water the facility would discharge into city lagoons or where its long-term water supply would come from. Without clear commitments, residents fear that water sourcing, wastewater discharge, or flood mitigation measures could shift risk onto nearby homes and farmland.

This is not a partisan issue. As residents made clear during public testimony, Democrats and Republicans alike are united by a shared stake in protecting their community. Pacific is not opposed to progress, but progress must respect local voices, environmental limits, and the character of the region.

We are asking Mayor Heather Filley and the Pacific Board of Aldermen to reject annexation or approval of this proposal unless residents’ concerns are meaningfully addressed. We also call on the Franklin County Planning and Zoning Commission to prioritize transparency, environmental protection, and public trust in any future reviews. Ameren Missouri should not advance infrastructure commitments without clear community consent and environmental safeguards.

Once land is rezoned and industrialized, there is no undoing the consequences. Pacific deserves development decisions made with care, honesty, and respect for the people who live here.

Protect our river. Protect our community. Listen to the people of Pacific.