Data center moves forward as BZA denies application appeal

The Jefferson County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) has voted to deny an appeal challenging the administrative approval of a data center project planned for the former Jefferson Proving Ground. The unanimous decision, which involved adopting a staff report and affirming the administrative ruling, effectively allows the data center development to proceed despite significant public opposition.

Building Inspector Josh Cline had initially approved the data center application on February 25, classifying it as sufficiently similar to other permitted heavy industrial uses under the county's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), even though data centers are not explicitly listed. Attorney Laureen White, representing appellant Debra Jones, argued that the project's massive scale and impact warranted a special exception and additional review by the BZA, rather than a simple administrative approval. Conversely, Andi Metzel, representing the property owners, the Ford family, contended that the UDO's standard for "similarity" was met.

Property owner Dean Ford highlighted the potential economic benefits, stating the 7.1 million square foot project would double or triple the county's tax base and create 300-450 jobs. However, residents like Brenda Bentz and Janice Kloepfer raised concerns about the data center's immense power and water consumption, its environmental impact, and a perceived lack of transparency, emphasizing that such a large-scale project should not be fast-tracked without comprehensive understanding and safeguards. The five-hour meeting was attended by a capacity crowd, demonstrating strong community interest and division.