Planning Zoning Commission Meeting - June 8, 2026
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Planning Zoning Commission Meeting - June 8, 2026
The Planning Zoning Commission of Joplin, Missouri convened on June 8, 2026, at approximately 10:15 AM. The meeting addressed four cases: a rezoning request, a special use permit for a boutique, a final plat review, and a proposed text amendment to regulate data centers. The text amendment generated extensive public testimony and was ultimately tabled for further review.
Case 18-26: Rezoning from R1/C1 to R2 (Two-Family Residential)
- Applicant: Gideon with Lever Construction spoke in favor, stating the rezoning would allow construction of a duplex to bring more families into the area.
- Decision: The commission voted unanimously to forward the case to the city council with approval.
Case 20-26: Special Use Permit for a Boutique at 612 West E Street
- Applicant: Angela Hudson, owner, explained the store would be open only the second weekend of each month and by appointment, aiming to revitalize the neighborhood. William Clift, a neighbor, spoke in favor, noting the property had been vacant for years.
- Decision: The commission voted unanimously to forward the case to the city council with approval.
Case 21-26: Final Plat Review for Prospect Village (Geneva Avenue and 20th Street)
- Applicant: Blake Rorick, Own Engineering, presented the replat for commercial areas and a sports complex. Commissioner Clue Michael questioned environmental contamination from the former International Paper site. Staff clarified that remediation plans must be approved by DNR and EPA before permits are issued.
- Decision: The commission voted unanimously to forward the case to the city council with approval.
Case 19-26: Text Amendment for Data Center Regulations
- Staff Presentation: Tyler of city staff presented a first draft ordinance creating specific use standards for data centers, including 300-foot setbacks from sensitive uses, lighting caps (0.5 foot-candle at property line), noise limits (45 dBC at 50 feet from residential), closed-loop cooling, LEED certification, and restrictions on foreign adversaries. Staff noted this was a draft and that additional information would be gathered from an upcoming conference.
- Public Testimony:
- Amanda Calderon Kidston raised concerns about water sources, wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and decommissioning standards.
- Rebecca Collins, Joplin Sustainable Technology Alliance, advocated for strict sound, water, and rate protections, urging the commission to either recommend approval or table the amendment for further work.
- Judy Reese, property owner near the proposed data center site, described existing water runoff and noise issues.
- Sue Godsey emphasized health risks from low-frequency noise and urged stronger measurement at building lines, not just property lines.
- Coral Richie noted the proposed 300-foot setback is insufficient for a facility potentially larger than a shopping mall, and argued for enforcement "teeth."
- Rob Jones, Crowder College, proposed creating a Data Center Advisory Board to ensure ongoing oversight.
- Tom Robertson recommended requiring a decommissioning bond to prevent taxpayer burden for cleanup.
- Brennan Bauer stressed the need for enforceable decommissioning regulations for hazardous materials and grid impacts.
- Lindsay Rice opposed the data center entirely, citing water contamination risks and health effects of frequencies.
- Susan Mitchell questioned the commission's rationale for approving heavy industrial zoning near residential areas and asked for concrete benefits.
- Commission Discussion: Commissioners noted the volume of new information, including concerns about decommissioning, water, noise enforcement, and the proposal for a citizen advisory board. Staff recommended tabling to address these issues.
- Motion: A motion to table the case was made by Commissioner Clue Michael, seconded by Commissioner Warren, and passed with all in favor (voice vote). The text amendment will be reconsidered at a future meeting.
Other Business
- The meeting adjourned with a reminder of an open seat on the Planning Zoning Commission.
Meeting Transcript
We'd get seated, but it's 4 2, so I'd like to call the meeting to order of the Planning Zoning Commission. And can I have roll call? Miss Clue Michael. Present. Dr. Rosenberg. Present. Ms. Phillips. Present. Miss Warren. Present. Mr. Spruce. Present. Miss Harrington. Do I hear a motion to motion to excuse Ms. Harrington? Okay. All in favor? Aye. Aye. All opposed? Okay. Well, excuse Mrs. Harrington. And I'd like to do a kind of a housekeeping chore here first. We are going to move the uh case number 19-26 dealing with our text amendment to the end of new business as a courtesy to the others so they won't have to wait through all this other business. So do I uh has everybody had a chance to look at the minutes? Move the minutes be approved. Okay. Uh first by Dr. Rosenberg, second by Miss Mrs. Warren. Ms. Warren to approve the minutes. Do I hear? Um approval? Aye. Aye. Okay, minutes pass. Okay, so we are going to go through the public hearings, and this these are the procedures. It is requested that persons wishing to testify before the zoning and planning commission follow these rules. State your name and address clearly for the record. And we're asking that you keep your um comments to three minutes, and Eric is going to implement the clock. Please give your testimony as briefly and completely as possible. Please do not repeat testimony that has been given previously. We want you to state your facts but limit your information to only new information. Everyone is invited to speak. However, if you have a spokesperson, please allow him or her to speak.
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