Hundreds of residents packed Festus High School to oppose a plan that would place a $6 billion data center on 360 acres in the heart of their community. They wore red. They held signs. They signed up to speak. And when 39 of them showed up ready to be heard, the mayor cut off public comment after two hours and called the vote anyway. That is not democracy. That is dismissal.

For months, residents have raised alarms about secret meetings between city officials and developer CRG — a Clayco company — held without the knowledge of the people who actually live here. Families near the proposed site have been offered buyouts to leave homes they love, not because they want to go, but because a corporation needs the land. Neighbors who have done nothing wrong are being told to move so a data center can move in.

The concerns don't stop there. Residents want real answers about what a project this size will do to their water, their sewage systems, their roads, and their energy grid. The city attorney says it could bring in $80 million a year in taxes — but no dollar amount erases the fact that this process has been anything but transparent.

One resident said it clearly: "I am not against growth. I am against putting data centers between homes." That's not an unreasonable ask. 

Mayor Richards and the Festus City Council: the vote may have passed, but this fight is not over. Residents are calling for a pause on all further development approvals, a full independent review of the CRG agreement, and a genuine community process — with real information, real answers, and a real voice for the people of Festus.

Sign this petition to stand with the community of Festus, Missouri.

Photo: Brian Munoz / St. Louis Public Radio