Protesters call for more public input ahead of Bowling Green data center vote

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) – A group of protesters gathered outside Bowling Green City Hall Tuesday night, calling for more public input and additional review time as city leaders considered new regulations for future data center development.

The demonstration was organized by SOKY Indivisible, a grassroots organization focused on social justice issues in the South Central Kentucky region. Volunteers helped residents create signs and share concerns before the Bowling Green City Commission meeting.

Brenton Hippler, a volunteer associated with SOKY Indivisible, said the demonstration was intended to make sure residents’ concerns were visible.

“If they don’t want to hear us, I want to make sure they see us,” Hippler said.

Protesters said their concerns centered around the potential impacts of data centers, including noise, utilities, water use and the amount of public involvement in future development decisions.

Another protester said the issue was not only about data centers themselves, but about how the city handles community input.

“I do oppose data centers overall, but I especially oppose the fact that they’re pushing it on us with no real public input,” Denise Zielenski said.

The protest came as commissioners prepared to hear more than four hours of public comment on proposed data center regulations.

The proposed ordinance created new zoning standards for future data center developments, including requirements related to setbacks, infrastructure capacity, cooling systems, backup generators, noise, and decommissioning.

Several residents who spoke during the meeting called on commissioners to delay action and allow more time for review before moving forward.

The City Commission later voted on the ordinance and considered a separate proposal for a six-month due diligence period to further study potential impacts. The ordinance passed, the due diligence period did not pass.