By MATT PIKE
During tonight's St. Joseph City Council meeting, the St. Joseph City Council will vote on an emergency ordinance suspending the acceptance and processing of applications related to data center facilities.
The emergency bill is designed to provide time for the council to develop regulations, gather information and evaluate best practices for the matter of data centers. Also up for vote during the meeting will be the authorization of the demolition of the former First Baptist Mt. Union Church on King Hill Avenue, as well as security cameras for Felix Street Square and parking spaces at Southwest Parkway.
The former First Baptist Mt. Union Church on King Hill Avenue has multiple city ordinance violations such as a failing roof, deteriorated exterior wall and deteriorated bricks. It is designated as a local landmark due to its importance to the African American community of St. Joseph. Despite that, no efforts have been made to restore the building. The city would vote on to authorize an agreement with Madget Demolition to demolish the building in the amount of $45,000. The council discussed the demolition earlier this year, but paused the process after an individual reached out to potentially save the landmark.
The purchase of security cameras for Felix Street Squre comes as a proactive measure by the St. Joseph City Council with renovations taking place currently. The council hopes the purchase of the cameras will deter any criminal activity at the newly renovated Coleman Hawkins Felix Street Square. It would be paid with RiverBluff ARPA funds and cost $59,030.
The St. Joseph City Council will meet this evening at 5:30pm. Along with the emergency ordinance and measures up for passage, there will be some bills for first reading as well as some other issues discussed.
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