Tim Pool

They say the Festus High School gym's rafters were filled with voices of residents who opposed the project Monday night at a special meeting at the city council.

The ordinance locks in rules that everyone must follow if the data center is built, like requiring CRG to pay for infrastructure.

Lauren Albers lives near the proposed location, three houses down from where CRG has said it will offer buyouts to homeowners.

Like many who spoke at the meeting, she said she believed the city council had already made up its mind on the proposal.

I am not against growth, she said.

I'm against putting data centers between homes.

I'm against rushing into development before residents get real information, real answers, and a real voice.

39 people signed up to speak when Mayor Sam Richards cut off public comment after two hours before the council moved the ordinance to a vote.

What is this?

Honest question.

What is this?

Listen, I have seen these videos of people going to city councils and saying they're putting boys in the girls' bathroom.

And the city council goes, we don't care.

I don't understand.

Do you guys remember that story where people stormed the city council and said, we are now the city council, council, we vote.

And they went, no, you're not.

We're in charge.

Guys, what is up with this?

This does not make sense.

We have seen this time and time again where the public comes in and says, you do not have the authority here.