Proposed data center on prime Mercer County farmland raises concerns for equestrian business

Caitlin Cooper, co-owner of DesMar Stables, a horse farm in Mercer County, Kentucky, voiced significant concerns over a proposed data center development on adjacent prime farmland. Cooper, who has spent 12 years building her equestrian business, fears the constant noise pollution from the data center would render her horses unsafe for training and riding, effectively ruining her livelihood and forcing her to relocate. She also anticipates a severe reduction in property values.

Developers identified as American Farm Investors and JLL Louisville Real Estate are behind the project. While the developers have suggested planting trees as a noise reduction measure, Cooper dismisses this as "comical," stating it would not mitigate the profound impact on her business and the well-being of the horses.

Cooper emphasized that once construction begins, there would be "no turning back" from the irreversible consequences for her stables. She indicated that if the data center is approved, she is unsure how her business would survive. The proposal highlights a conflict between agricultural land preservation, local businesses, and industrial development in Mercer County.