Data center discussion looms over upcoming Cave City Council meeting

The Cave City, Kentucky, City Council is slated to address a significant discussion regarding data centers during its upcoming meeting. Council members are scheduled to conduct the first reading of Ordinance 26-12-3b, which aims to amend the city’s existing zoning regulations. Although no specific data center project has been formally proposed for Cave City, the ordinance seeks to establish a clear regulatory framework and zoning requirements for potential future facilities, a topic that has generated considerable public interest. The prospect of data center development has sparked extensive debate among residents and within the council, focusing on concerns such as local infrastructure capacity, water and power usage, increased noise, and broader environmental impacts. Council member Andrew Bagshaw has publicly voiced strong opposition, citing worries about potential strain on local resources and adverse effects on Cave City's small-town character and quality of life. Additionally, Councilwoman Leticia Cline raised concerns about changes to the ordinance's language, noting that a key "safeguard" involving the Adjustment Board was reportedly removed under the mayor's direction. Public participation is expected to be a significant component of the meeting, with several individuals scheduled to provide comments. Among those listed to speak are David Peterson, CEO of the Caveland Environmental Authority, and geologist Nick Lawhon, both of whom possess expertise in environmental and infrastructure-related matters. Sammy Jo Estes and Tommy Bale are also slated to address the council, underscoring the community’s active engagement on the issue. In addition to the data center discussion, the council's agenda includes considering Ordinance 26-11-5, which seeks to amend the city’s noise ordinance, and a 2027 Road Aid Resolution. The meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, May 11, at 5 p.m. in the Cave City City Hall Council Chambers.