Cave City community reflects on Data Center-focused meeting

CAVE CITY, Ky. (WNKY)  – A packed Cave City council meeting Monday night highlighted growing concerns from residents over the possibility of future data center development near the Mammoth Cave region.

The meeting drew an estimated crowd of more than 200 people as community members packed into city hall to voice concerns ranging from environmental impacts and utility usage to transparency from local leadership.

Council members approved a one-year moratorium tied to data center development discussions, temporarily pausing progress while city leaders and residents gather more information and consider future regulations following two readings of the decision.

Among the most vocal opponents was Cave City Council Member and business owner Leticia Cline, who argued that a data center would conflict with the identity of the Mammoth Cave region.

“My stance would be that a data center does not fit into the comprehensive plan and the identity of Mammoth Cave region. Period at all,” Cline said.

Cline also raised concerns about the region’s cave systems, sinkholes and underground waterways, arguing that large-scale industrial development could pose environmental risks in an area closely tied to Mammoth Cave National Park.

Community activist Paula Pedigo said the large turnout reflected frustration from residents who feel decisions have moved too quickly and without enough public involvement.

“On Monday night was a tremendous showing of community support,” Pedigo said. “Folks are really tired of government working in the dark, not being transparent and pushing their agendas through without having impact from the community.”

Editor’s Note: Paula Pedigo is currently running for Judge/Executive for Barren County. News 40 reached out to her opponent, Jamie Bewley-Byrd, and have not heard back.

Students and younger residents also joined the discussion Monday night.

Trace Brooking, a sophomore at Glasgow High School who lives in Cave City, said he believes the issue could shape the future of the community for generations.

“We’re a small tourist town that resides, like, amongst a national park,” Brooking said. “The implications this could have on our national park is drastic.”

Brooking also expressed concerns over potential increases in utility costs and impacts on agriculture and tourism, industries that he says help define the Cave City area.

Mayor Dwayne Hatcher defended the city’s approach and said much of the public reaction stemmed from misunderstandings about what was actually being considered.

According to Hatcher, Monday night’s discussion was not a vote to approve a data center project, but instead focused on creating restrictions and guidelines in case a company ever pursued development within the city.

“This was an ordinance to set up guidelines and restrictions or guardrails, if you so speak, to protect the citizens from some of those negative aspects of it,” Hatcher said.

Hatcher said city leaders are trying to balance protecting Cave City’s identity while also considering future economic growth opportunities. He added that Cave City has historically relied heavily on tourism and agriculture, making diversification an ongoing conversation for local officials.

“But, you know, we’re we’re going to work together.” Hatcher said. “We’re going to get through this.”

The proposed moratorium still requires a first and second reading before officially taking effect. Meanwhile, as noted by a few community members, debate over the future of development in Cave City appears far from over.