Cave City Council rejects data center zoning ordinance, approves one-year moratorium

The Cave City City Council voted to reject a proposed zoning amendment aimed at regulating data centers and other high-impact industrial uses after nearly two hours of intense discussion and repeated outbursts from a standing-room-only crowd. City Attorney Bobby Richardson explained that rejecting the ordinance would mean no new restrictions on data centers, while approving it would impose them. Residents chanted "Cave City says no," signaling their strong opposition to potential data center development, especially given the proximity to Mammoth Cave. Instead of the zoning amendment, Councilwoman Leticia Cline proposed a one-year moratorium on accepting, processing, and approving applications for data centers and similar industrial uses within the city, citing a similar approach in Meade County. This motion passed 4-1, with Councilman Denny Doyle being the sole dissenting vote. The rejected zoning ordinance vote was also 4-1 against, with Doyle again being the only one in favor of adopting the restrictions. Speakers like David Peterson and Sammy Jo Estes urged a balanced approach, acknowledging the need for economic growth but emphasizing the importance of strong regulations to protect the community and its infrastructure. The council is scheduled to hold a second reading for the moratorium at a special meeting on May 14.