Franklin Planning Commission rejects data center rezoning after heated hearing

FRANKLIN, Ky. (WNKY) — In a tense and emotional meeting that stretched more than four hours, the Franklin-Simpson Planning and Zoning Commission voted Tuesday night to recommend not approving a proposed zoning text amendment that could have paved the way for large-scale data centers in Simpson County.

The public hearing, held at the Franklin Police Department, drew a standing-room-only crowd. Dozens of residents gathered outside before the meeting carrying signs and chanting against the proposal, while supporters and developers inside made their case for what they called a generational opportunity for the region.

“Franklin is a small-town community. We all gather together, especially when it’s something that we’re all for,” said Jasmine Butt, who helped organize a petition against the amendment. “I have seven children growing up here, and I want them to be able to experience the community that I grew up in.”

Butt said opposition to the data center proposal has united residents across the county.

“There’s been a thousand and 177 signatures through this. I think that right there shows that our community is pretty tight-knit, and I think that our voice does matter,” she said.

Others at the protest expressed frustration about communication from city and county officials.

“I feel like they’ve been very shady about it… they said the meeting tonight is going to be at 6:30, then they said at 6:00,” one protester said.

Emily Woodard said she feared the environmental costs would outweigh the economic benefits.

“It’s taking a lot of drinkable water. Every hundred words you put into an AI data engine uses one bottle of water. It releases lots of carbon dioxide, and apparently it’s very loud,” Woodard said.

Inside the packed hearing room, attorneys and consultants representing the project argued the amendment was necessary to clarify existing zoning rules, not to create new ones, and to reassure potential investors.

“What we intend to establish for the hearing tonight is that data storage and service centers are already permitted,” Attorney Tim Crocker said. “The reason we want this clear is so investors know exactly what they can do, because these facilities involve billions of dollars.”

Developers said the proposal could bring thousands of construction jobs and dozens of long-term positions, each with above-average salaries. Fort Graham, a site consultant for the project, outlined the scale of investment.

“Roughly 200 acres, down near Exit 2. About $2.1 billion in investment per facility. There are 40 to 50 full-time jobs. The salary range is anywhere from 80 to $100,000 a year,” Graham said.

Supporters said the tax revenue could fund major infrastructure projects and help lower property taxes.

“This will give the city and the county the opportunity to dramatically cut taxes,” an attorney said during the presentation. “It will give the opportunity to build new schools, a community center, and replace our leaking sewers.”

But as the evening went on, many residents inside the hearing voiced skepticism about the promises being made and raised concerns about infrastructure and power use.

“If you allow something like this to come in, you’re giving them the keys to our utilities,” one resident told the commission. “Once they’re in, we don’t get to control how much power or water they use, and we’re the ones who pay for it.”

Another protester questioned the developers’ motives.

“Has anybody even heard why they wanted to come here, except to line their own pockets?” the resident asked.

After hours of testimony, the commission members discussed the potential benefits and drawbacks of the amendment. When the vote was called, the board recommended not approving the change, a decision that drew applause from many in attendance.

Following the vote, Simpson County Judge-Executive Mason Barnes acknowledged the passionate turnout from both sides.

“We’ve heard from both sides tonight. The community is passionate, and that’s what makes Franklin special,” Barnes said.

The commission’s recommendation now moves to the Franklin City Commission, which will make the final decision in the coming weeks.