A proposed data center is moving forward after the Shreveport City Council overruled the Metropolitan Planning Commission, but opposition and unresolved questions continue to fuel debate over whether the project belongs in west Shreveport.
Here’s what we know so far about what it took to get the development forwarded.
Metropolitan Planning Commission voted down data center proposal
The Metropolitan Planning Commission had a tied vote, 4-4, on a special use permit for the proposed data enter during a Dec. 3 public hearing. The tie vote resulted in denying the request, citing unanswered questions and concerns raised by residents during public hearings.
Commissioners stated they were uncomfortable approving a proposal without more detailed information about water use, power demand, environmental impacts and long-term community effects.
Mayor Arceneaux pushed for changing the MPC following failed special use permit
Following the MPC’s denial of the proposed data center’s special use permit, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux pushed for restructuring the MPC, ultimately changing the body’s authority on such decisions and making it less likely to block major economic projects. Commissioner Rachel Jackson told KSLA that she found Arceneaux’s comment insulting and said it seemed retaliatory.
Lawmaker blasted data center developers over lack of transparency
State Rep. Danny McCormick in a Facebook post demanded developers to be more transparent with residents, citing NDAs keep residents in the dark about projects planned in their communities…