Burgin votes to rejoin zoning commission amid data center fight
The Burgin City Council voted on its first reading to rejoin the joint Mercer County, Harrodsburg, Burgin Planning and Zoning Commission, a move supported by Mayor Joseph Monroe's tie-breaking vote. This decision is part of an ongoing community effort to make it more difficult for a proposed data center development by an unnamed California-based real estate developer. Residents voiced concerns about noise, water, roads, and taxes, though rejoining the commission alone will not stop the project.
The Burgin City Council in Kentucky voted to approve the first reading of an ordinance to rejoin the joint Mercer County, Harrodsburg, Burgin Planning and Zoning Commission. This decision came after a tie-breaking vote from Mayor Joseph Monroe at Tuesday's city council meeting, held at the Burgin Fire Department, which was met with applause from over 100 attending residents.
The vote represents a significant step in ongoing community opposition against a proposed data center from a California-based real estate developer. Residents, including Heather Henson, expressed concerns about potential noise pollution, water contamination impacting rich farmland and drinking water, road deterioration, and increased taxes.
Mayor Monroe emphasized that rejoining the commission reflects residents' concerns and is a step towards gaining regulatory control, particularly regarding potential annexation. However, he clarified that this action alone would not kill the data center project but would make its development more challenging. The ordinance requires a second reading by the city council, state review, and a final vote for approval.