Residents urge Leavenworth County to pause ‘Project Bluestem’ data‑center plan

Dozens of residents told the Leavenworth County Commission that a proposed data center near Tonganoxie, known locally as Project Bluestem, would harm rural character, consume scarce water and bring persistent nighttime lighting and traffic.

"This beautiful place will be destroyed forever," said Ginger Turner, who spoke during the meeting’s public‑comment period and said she moved to Leavenworth County for its wide‑open landscapes. Turner warned the county would need "additional power plants" and said nearby residents would see property values fall.

Other speakers echoed those concerns. Brian Morley told commissioners he had been hearing from neighbors of all ages that they "love where they live" and do not want the data center. Jim Carlson, who referenced national data‑center delays and industry supply‑chain challenges, urged the board to slow approval and called for a moratorium, saying "Delay is diligence." Manette Holton, who described living near a large data project in Ohio, warned of lost topsoil, constant noise and 24‑hour lighting.

Speakers raised several concrete claims: an often‑repeated $14 million tax figure tied to the project (discussants clarified in the meeting that the figure referenced property‑tax proceeds, not sales tax), broad worries about water use for cooling, and doubts that local residents would see lasting employment benefits beyond a brief construction period.

Commissioners did not take final action on the proposal at the meeting but agreed to put discussion of a moratorium on the agenda for a future meeting so staff can collect more information. County staff and at least one commissioner noted that state water‑planning and infrastructure capacity (including electric supply) would be important inputs to any decision.

What happens next: Commissioners instructed staff to gather additional technical information and scheduled discussion of a possible moratorium and related regulations at an upcoming meeting. No formal approvals or denials of Project Bluestem were recorded at this session.