AI Data Center Battle: Community vs Tech Growth

0:00It's March 24, Kansas News Today starts now, AI-powered and ready. I'm Cory with the story. Independent City leaders are considering billions and tax incentives for a Dutch AI company called Nevius to build a huge data center in the eastern. Part of town, near Little Blue Valley, local residents are pushing back hard, taking the fight to court to force the approval ordinance to a public vote. Earlier this week, a judge in Jackson County Circuit Court heard arguments during a 50-minute session at the eastern Jackson County Courthouse. Three women leading the opposition believe they followed the city charter's referendum rules to challenge the plan and judge Jennifer Phillips. Promise the decision by the end of the week. Residents worry about the impact on their neighborhood from the 2.1 million square foot hyperscale facility set to break ground next month. Their lawyer argued that a key word in the charter overrides exceptions that would block a referendum. Meanwhile, the city's attorney countered that the ordinance took effect right away, involves

1:01bond money, and ties to specific contracts, so it's not. Eligible for a public vote under Section 2 of the charter. Opponents are still collecting signatures ahead of next week's deadline. For now, an injunction holds things steady until the judge rules and the group might appeal if they lose, keeping this battle over tech growth versus. Community concerns very much alive.