Franklin County approves data centers
Franklin County commissioners approved new data center regulations and two rezoning requests for data centers in Village Ridge and Pacific. This decision has caused an uproar among residents, who are protesting the loss of farmland and plan to pursue legal action against the commissioners.
Franklin County residents expressed outrage following decisions by county commissioners to approve multiple data center requests. The commissioners not only voted to adopt new regulations pertaining to data centers but also granted two specific rezoning requests for data center developments, one located in Village Ridge and another in Pacific. Opponents voiced strong concerns over the potential loss of farmland and livelihoods, with some families having generational ties to the land. Despite clear public opposition, as acknowledged by one commissioner who anticipated the community's upset, the measures passed.
Protesters have indicated their intention to pursue legal action against the county commissioners.