Lexington community voices opposition to data centers at packed town hall
Community members in Lexington, KY, held a town hall to oppose data centers, following the City Council's approval of a four-month moratorium. Concerns were raised about the impact on health and environment, and the adequacy of the moratorium after Dartpoint purchased a Lexmark property. No attendees spoke in favor of data centers.
Lexington, Kentucky residents packed the Lyric Theatre to express strong opposition to data center development in their city. The town hall, organized by District 1 Councilmember Tyler Morton, followed the Lexington City Council's approval of a four-month moratorium on data centers. This swift action by the Council was prompted by the private sale of a Lexmark property to Dallas-based data center company Dartpoint, which city leaders reportedly learned about through media outlets.
Councilmember Morton explained that the moratorium is broad, prohibiting new permits and zoning changes related to data centers. However, many attendees, including IBM retiree Sarah Katzenmaier, voiced concerns that the four-month pause is insufficient. Katzenmaier highlighted previous positive relations with companies like IBM and Lexmark, contrasting them with Dartpoint's perceived lack of transparency.
No attendees spoke in favor of data centers, with District 4 Councilmember Emma Curtis explicitly stating her hope for Lexington to become known as a community that "kills data centers." Community members cited potential negative impacts on public health and the environment as primary reasons for their opposition. Dartpoint communications officials have stated they have no further information beyond what is already public. This public process, including a Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment, is expected to continue, offering more opportunities for public comment.