Burgin Residents Express Concerns Ahead of Data Center Ordinance Hearing
The Mercer County Planning and Zoning Board is holding a public hearing on a proposed data center ordinance, following previous considerations by county leaders and the city of Burgin planning its own rules. Residents of Burgin are expressing strong opposition and concerns about the potential environmental impacts of a proposed 550-acre data center near their homes. They plan to attend the hearing to voice their objections.
The Mercer County Planning and Zoning Board is scheduled to hold a public hearing on a proposed data center ordinance this Thursday. This follows previous discussions by county leaders regarding similar regulations, with the city of Burgin now preparing to establish its own separate planning and zoning rules.
Residents like Tom Krohl, a retired Burgin resident, are vocal in their opposition to the project, questioning the developers' and officials' decisions. Krohl, whose home is less than a mile from the proposed 550-acre data center, highlighted that not only Burgin but also Mercer County and surrounding areas are against the development. His wife, Kathleen Krohl, expressed significant concerns about the potential emissions, air quality, noise, and light pollution that could arise from the facility.
Mary Jane McKenzie, a retired Burgin schoolteacher, also plans to attend the hearing, noting a lack of open dialogue in the process. Residents emphasize that they chose Burgin for its current character and would have selected a different location if they desired proximity to a data center. The Mercer County Fiscal Court did not respond to requests for comment.