Shelbyville Mayor Apologizes Amid Data Center Opposition; Boone County Enacts Moratorium
Shelbyville Mayor Scott Furgeson publicly apologized for disparaging comments he made about residents opposing a proposed data center in the city. Separately, Boone County Commissioners in Indiana enacted a one-year moratorium on new data center developments.
Shelbyville Mayor Scott Furgeson issued a public apology for remarks he made regarding homes displaying opposition to a proposed data center. In a video statement and at a Board of Works meeting, Mayor Furgeson admitted his comments were "wrong," "disrespectful," and "hurtful," taking full responsibility and pledging to improve communication and transparency with residents and the Common Council. Shelbyville Common Council member Betsy Means Davis acknowledged the apology but reiterated calls for the mayor's resignation, criticizing his inaction on property maintenance issues that she argued his comments ultimately highlighted.
In related news from Indiana, Boone County Commissioners approved a one-year moratorium on new data center development within unincorporated areas. This action allows officials time to draft comprehensive zoning regulations for the growing industry. Boone County is now the twelfth county in Indiana to implement such a pause, though this moratorium will not impact Meta's existing $10 billion data center campus under construction in Lebanon's LEAP Innovation District.