Data center developers meet with Carroll County residents
A proposed 800-megawatt data center in Carrollton, Kentucky, is facing opposition from local residents concerned about utility bills and property values. Developers Poe companies and Powerhouse data centers held a private meeting with residents, excluding media, leading to further criticism regarding transparency. State Senator Jay Williams emphasized the city's need to repair trust with its citizens over the project.
Developers from Poe companies and Powerhouse data centers held a private meeting with over 50 Carroll County residents in Carrollton, Kentucky, to discuss a proposed 800-megawatt data center project. The meeting, held at the Carroll County Fairgrounds, excluded media, raising concerns about transparency among residents.
Laura Beth Austin, representing a group of concerned citizens, criticized the developers and Carrollton Mayor Rob Adams for what she described as a secretive process, stating that residents felt unheard. Residents have expressed worries about potential impacts on utility bills and property values, with yard signs opposing the development visible near the project site. Some residents even funded a billboard directing calls to Mayor Adams' direct line.
Mayor Adams has publicly supported the project, citing projected tax revenue. However, State Senator Jay Williams acknowledged that the city needs to repair trust with its constituents regarding the development. The project is currently in its early phases, with developers still surveying the site for feasibility on a 300-acre portion of a larger 550-acre purchase.