Lexington residents push for stronger limits on data centers

Lexington, Kentucky, held its second public town hall to discuss potential regulations on large data centers, following two resolutions passed by the Lexington Urban County Council. The impetus for increased resident engagement stems from DartPoints, a Texas-based information technology company, announcing plans for a hyperscale data center on West New Circle Road, near multiple neighborhoods.

Residents voiced strong opposition at the meeting, with many advocating for a one-year or even permanent moratorium on such developments, citing concerns over health impacts and long-term effects on families and neighborhoods. Councilwoman Liz Sheehan noted that she and other council members had submitted proposed data center regulations to committee last November. The Urban County Council's resolutions called for a moratorium and a zoning text amendment from the planning commission, intended to provide time for drafting new regulations.

While there is an existing, shorter-term moratorium, council members have decided not to extend it for a full year, instead aiming to finalize a decision on data centers by the fall. Additionally, Sheehan mentioned a separate, recently adopted Blue Sky area plan, which involves a different data center and industrial project. The public is encouraged to continue sharing feedback via the Engage Lexington public engagement site as the planning commission drafts its recommendations for the Urban County Council.