Granite City Planning & Zoning Meeting Takes Unexpected Turn as Data Center Discussion Slows Down

GraniteCityGossip.com, February 6, 2026

The Granite City Planning and Zoning Commission meeting drew a large crowd Thursday night, but the evening took a very different turn from what many residents expected. Although the meeting had originally been announced as a discussion and possible vote on a proposed ordinance related to data centers, Chairman Dan Comer opened the session with a statement that immediately changed the direction of the night.

“Before we get this meeting started, I had a meeting with the mayor and we have decided that this really needs to slow down a little bit, so tonight we will not be voting on the ordinance. It will not be on the agenda to be voted on and it will also not be on the City Council’s agenda for their next meeting. We are here today informationally. You will be given information by Cathy (Hamilton) and we will take your questions. We’re not answering questions tonight. We will take your questions and take them into consideration at a future date.”

With that announcement, Comer made clear that no decisions would be made and no questions would be answered during this meeting. Instead, the evening would be used to gather input and provide background information. After roll call and routine procedural business, the Commission turned the floor over to Cathy Hamilton.

Hamilton thanked the crowd for attending and noted that strong turnout is important as the city begins exploring what a data center project could mean for Granite City. She described the topic as an “exciting opportunity,” but emphasized that it requires transparency, community involvement, and a shared understanding of the facts.

She explained that the city has launched a new website, GraniteCityDataCenter.com, to centralize all information related to the discussion. The site includes agendas, packets, timelines, and updates so residents can follow the process and access accurate information in one place. It also features a public comment submission button for citizens who wish to share questions or concerns.

Hamilton stressed that no data center company has submitted a project to the city. At this stage, officials are simply gathering information so they will be prepared to evaluate any future proposal.

Hamilton also displayed zoning maps showing areas where a data center could be located under current zoning classifications. She clarified that these were not proposed sites, but examples of where such a project might fit if one were ever submitted.

Public comment followed, with residents and union representatives offering a wide range of opinions. Some speakers expressed support, citing potential job creation, economic growth, and opportunities for skilled trades. Others voiced concerns about noise, power usage, environmental impact, unsustainable increases in water and electricity bills, and the long‑term effects on nearby neighborhoods. The comments reflected a community that is engaged, attentive, and eager for clear information before any decisions are made.

.As the meeting drew to a close, Chairman Comer addressed the room once more, offering a candid and personal reminder of the Commission’s role:

“So, as you all may or may not know we are the Planning and Zoning Commission. We all live in the city like you do, so this affects all of us the same way it affects you. We are an advisory committee, that is all we are. We will give our recommendations to City Council when the time comes, and the City Council will have final say on all this. We have listened to everything you said, and again, we are all residents like you and we will plan accordingly and we will do what we can to do what’s best for the community. At this point I don’t know what that is, to be honest with you, but we will do our best to do what’s best for the community.”

When a resident called out from the audience, Comer responded directly:

“We are not voting on—this is… it’s not up to us. We are an advisory committee. It’s the City Council and the Mayor. Because this is a meeting of us, I mean, I can’t answer all these questions at this point. This is an informative meeting and it’s time for us to close the meeting, and we will move forward. Can I get a motion to adjourn?”

With that, the meeting concluded abruptly, not with a decision, but with a clear message that the process is slowing down, more understanding of the zoning safety nets is needed, and future meetings will determine the next steps.