Burgin takes step toward zoning review for data center
Burgin City Council has taken the initial step toward rejoining the Harrodsburg-Mercer County Planning and Zoning Commission. This move, secured by the Mayor's tie-breaking vote, aims to provide more oversight and regulatory control for a proposed 500-acre data center project, a development welcomed by local opponents concerned about noise, water, and infrastructure.
The Burgin City Council recently took a significant step towards rejoining the Harrodsburg-Mercer County Planning and Zoning Commission after the Mayor cast a tie-breaking vote. This action is intended to bring more oversight and regulatory control to a proposed 500-acre data center project in the area. If the city proceeds with annexing the land for the data center, the project would then be subject to the Commission's review process.
Local resident Judith Lunsford, an opponent of the project, expressed concerns about potential consequences such as noise, water usage, and impacts on infrastructure. The developer behind the project, Pena Tony, had a representative address these concerns with council members, noting that more than half of the property would remain undeveloped to provide space for buffers and other safeguards.
However, council members emphasized the critical need for regulatory control before any property, like the proposed data center site, is annexed into the City of Burgin without adequate oversight. Opponents in Burgin have reportedly expressed relief following the council's decision to pursue rejoining the commission, seeing it as a positive step in their efforts.