Cave City advances first reading of Moratorium

CAVE CITY, Ky. (WNKY) — Cave City leaders moved one step closer Tuesday night to temporarily halting data center-related zoning discussions, approving the first reading of a proposed one-year moratorium by a 4-1 vote.

The decision follows weeks of growing community concern surrounding the possibility of future data center development near the Mammoth Cave region. Residents packed recent council meetings, raising questions about environmental impacts, infrastructure strain, transparency and whether large-scale industrial projects fit the identity of the tourism-driven community.

Mayor Dwayne Hatcher said the purpose of Tuesday night’s special-called meeting was to begin the formal process of approving the moratorium ordinance.

“We need to have the first reading, and we did that,” Hatcher said. “We will meet again on Wednesday at 5:00 here at City Hall to get the second reading.”

Community members once again spoke against the possibility of future data center development during Tuesday night’s meeting.

“The right thing to do here is to say not to put any data centers anywhere near Mammoth Cave,” said resident Seth Thomas.

Others argued the proposed moratorium does not go far enough.

“A protection for me would look like a complete ban on all data centers,” said resident Kyle Ray. “A moratorium sounds great, but all that does is pause discussions.”

Resident Carl Thomas also questioned whether the issue should ultimately be decided by voters.

“If it’s a free country, we ought to vote,” Thomas said. “Have a chance to vote on it.”

If approved during its second reading Wednesday, the ordinance would temporarily halt data center-related zoning discussions in Cave City for one year while leaders continue evaluating the issue.