Lawsuit filed over approval of proposed Franklin data center project
News ClipWBKO·Franklin, Simpson County, KY·4/6/2026
A citizens group in Franklin, Kentucky has filed a lawsuit challenging the City of Franklin Planning and Zoning Commission's approval of a large-scale data center project. The lawsuit argues that the commission improperly treated the development as a permitted use despite earlier indications it should require additional review. Concerns are also raised about potential noise and odor impacts from the project's on-site power generation.
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Gov: City of Franklin Planning and Zoning Commission
FRANKLIN, Ky. (WBKO) — Franklin Citizens for Responsible Development, Inc. has filed a lawsuit in Simpson Circuit Court on April 2, challenging the City of Franklin Planning and Zoning Commission's approval of a significant data center project. The suit names the commission and several development entities, including TenKey LandCo I LLC, SPDJ Partners LLC, OTN Development Company LLC, and OTN Group, as defendants.
The project, referred to as “Project Lionsgate/Blackjack,” involves a data storage and service center with its own power generation facility on 147 acres along Steele Road. The lawsuit contends that the commission's March 3 approval of the preliminary development plan was