Louisville Residents Oppose Data Center Expansion at Public Hearing

Residents of West Louisville attended a public hearing on Monday night to debate proposed amendments to the Metro Land Development Code. The proposed changes would restrict or ban data centers based on size and location and require developers to prove they can cover all energy and construction costs.

During the meeting at the Kentucky Center for African-American Heritage, community members expressed distrust in the development process. They cited concerns regarding pollution, water usage, and noise, specifically pointing to the Campground Road data center project in Rubbertown as a point of reference. Attendees demanded greater transparency and the inclusion of impacted residents and independent researchers in the decision-making process.

Brian Davis, Director of the Louisville Metro Office of Planning, noted that the commission has been tracking common themes emerging from the public testimony. The Louisville Metro Planning Commission will meet on August 20 to provide recommendations to the Metro Council on whether to adopt, amend, or revise the proposal.