Concerns over new data center in Lawrence County
Residents in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee are raising concerns about a new 50,000 sq ft data center project. They cite a lack of transparency in the rezoning process and potential environmental impacts, leading to a petition demanding a public hearing and vote.
Plans for a new 50,000-square-foot data center in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, are generating questions and concern among some residents. The facility, slated for development off Flatwoods Road, had its land rezoned earlier this year, a decision city leaders say followed due process with public notice and a required public hearing in January.
However, resident and small business owner Elle McCann initiated a change.org petition, which has garnered over 1,300 signatures, demanding a public hearing and vote on the project. McCann expressed frustration over a perceived lack of transparency, stating that many residents only recently learned about the development, and raised concerns about potential environmental impacts, including energy and water consumption, and public health. City leaders defended the project, noting it would be a "modest power user" requiring no new electrical investment and employing a cooling technology that uses significantly less water.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) was mentioned in the broader context of data centers increasing demand, leading TVA to continue coal operations to meet utility needs. Building permits for the Lawrenceburg data center are anticipated within weeks, with construction potentially concluding by early next summer. McCann plans to present the community petition at the upcoming city council meeting.