City council in Mercer County advances annexation that could clear way for data center
The Burgin City Council in Kentucky has advanced an ordinance to annex county land, potentially paving the way for a large data center, despite significant opposition from residents. Concerns include a lack of regulation, potential environmental impact, and the speed of the annexation process. A councilman's attempt to impose a moratorium on data center development was unsuccessful.
The Burgin City Council in Mercer County, Kentucky, voted 3-2 to advance an ordinance that would annex county land for a proposed hyperscale data center. The decision was met with vocal opposition from residents attending the meeting in Harrodsburg, who cheered council members voting against the measure.
The annexation ordinance, which received its first reading, would significantly expand Burgin's land area. Councilman Sindicat Dunn attempted to amend the ordinance to include a moratorium on data center development until an agreement could be reached with the Mercer County Planning and Zoning Commission, but his motion was unsuccessful. Councilman Scott McCoy, supporting the annexation, suggested a 'developer's agreement' would allow the city to address concerns such as water usage, light, and noise. Councilwoman Melinda Wofford expressed concerns from constituents about the lack of regulatory oversight.
This expedited annexation process follows Mercer County government's reluctance to change its zoning rules due to resident opposition. Locals are worried about the environmental impact, energy consumption, and increased utility bills from a massive facility in rural farmland. Billy Rankin, president and CEO of Shaker Village, a historic landmark two miles from the proposed site, criticized the annexation as an attempt by the developer to bypass county regulations without public information.
The Burgin City Council plans a second reading of the annexation ordinance on July 20 for final approval. The Mercer County Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing on data centers on July 23.