The proposed data center project in Warrenton has sparked pushback from nearby landowners and community members who say they are worried about transparency, infrastructure costs and long-term impacts on the area.
Anna Farrar, a Warrenton resident who has taken a leading role in organizing discussions opposing the project, said her concerns grew as she researched the possible scope of the development and how Warrenton may fit into larger energy and technology plans.
“When I started looking into the next five- and 10-year plans, I saw Warrenton playing a much bigger part than Missouri as a whole,” Farrar said. “With the way the zoning is set up and subsidies stacked, it puts us in a unique position. I don’t have ulterior motives — I just want communication and for people to understand what’s coming.”
Farrar said she and other residents have held community meetings to share information and push for greater public input.
“The main thing people want is communication and a chance to have a say in what happens here,” she said.
Farrar said she is not opposed to growth or technology, but believes the process should be more collaborative. She has urged city leaders to hold additional meetings with developers and utility representatives present to answer questions directly.
“We’re stakeholders in this town,” she said. “We want to grow with it. But we need clarity on the end goal, how it will be monitored, and what protections will be in place for residents. Development will happen no matter what, but it should be done responsibly.”
The issue, Farrar said, boils down to property rights, fairness and trust in the process.
“It becomes a decision we make together,” she said. “That’s the only way the frustration goes away.”
