Franklin, Kentucky Residents Oppose Proposed Data Center Development
Residents of Franklin, Kentucky, are opposing a proposal by OTN Group to build three 200,000-square-foot data storage facilities on 200 acres at 421 Steele Road. The project could require significant energy and water resources and reportedly generate only 100 to 200 jobs.
A public hearing by the city's Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled for January 20, 2025. Environmental concerns include potential pollution and impacts on local karst landscapes. The project was presented without adequate community engagement, leading to distrust among residents.
The Commission rejected a rule change that would have facilitated the development, citing vague language. Despite developer claims of economic benefits, local officials express skepticism about the project's true impact.
