By GAGE WILSON
For Glasgow News 1
Cave City council members have taken the first step toward temporarily halting data center development within city limits at Monday’s special-called meeting, where members approved the first reading of a one-year moratorium. This meeting comes as social discourse on data centers has proliferated local attention.
The ordinance would place a temporary pause on the approval and processing of applications related to data centers and similar IT infrastructure facilities while city officials study how such developments should be regulated locally.
Cave City’s current zoning ordinance does not specifically address data center development. City Attorney Bobby Richardson said the moratorium is intended to give the city time to determine whether new zoning rules, land-use standards or other regulations may be needed before such facilities are approved.
Under the proposal, the moratorium would apply to the acceptance, review, processing or approval of applications connected to the establishment, expansion or construction of data centers and associated “high impact industries,” including zoning permits, conditional use permits, site plans and building permits.
If adopted, the moratorium would remain in effect for 12 months unless the Cave City Council chooses to terminate or extend it earlier.
During that time, the Joint City-County Planning Commission of Barren County would be directed to study potential impacts tied to data center development, including infrastructure demands, environmental concerns and land-use compatibility.
Kevin Myatt, director of the commission, was unable to attend due to the commission’s monthly meeting. Within the ordinance, the commission would also evaluate appropriate zoning districts and performance standards before bringing potential ordinance amendments or regulations back to the city council for consideration.
The ordinance broadly defines a data center or “IT Infrastructure Facility” as a site primarily used for the storage, management, processing or transmission of digital data through computer servers and related equipment. It includes server farms, cloud computing facilities and co-location centers, but excludes smaller computer rooms or IT equipment used as an accessory to a primary business.
The ordinance also includes a severability clause, meaning that if one portion is struck down in court, the remaining provisions would still remain valid.
Council members held little discussion before approving the ordinance on first reading, though audience members raised several questions throughout the meeting.
Richardson asked those wishing to speak whether they lived within Cave City limits.
“I live downstream from you,” one attendee responded. “The Cave City community extends beyond city limits.”
The exchange touched on a broader tension that surfaced throughout the meeting – the limits of city authority versus regional concerns tied to potential development.
Cave City Mayor Dwayne Hatcher said everyone at Monday’s city council meeting cares about the community, adding that “we all care about this area.” Gage Wilson/For Glasgow News 1
Cave City Mayor Dwayne Hatcher later reinforced that distinction.
“We cannot dictate what the county does, and the county doesn’t dictate what the city does,” he said. “I never refer to ‘Cave City limits’ I refer to this as the Cave City area…but in this particular case, we can only make decisions for the city.”
While several attendees asked to speak, Hatcher said that after discussions with council members ahead of the meeting, public comment would be limited as the meeting was focused on the vote itself. He added that additional research would be needed before final action is taken on the ordinance.
Ultimately, the council approved the first reading and scheduled a special-called meeting ahead of its regular June session. The meeting is expected to include the ordinance’s second reading and final consideration and is set for Wednesday, May 20, at 5 p.m.
Members of the audience requested to comment and question the ordinance during a special-called Cave City council meeting on Monday. While several in attendance made comments, none were recognized by the council to formally speak. Gage Wilson/For Glasgow News 1
Attendees appeared divided following the vote, with applause from some audience members and criticism from others who said the council should pursue a more permanent ban.
Councilwoman Leticia Cline said the moratorium is intended to give officials time to address public concerns while determining what long-term zoning restrictions may be appropriate.
“I understand, it’s very scary and everyone in the crowd had every right to feel that way,” Cline said. “That’s why it’s important we have these meetings to address their concerns…If we can act fast, say, here in four months have it where it’s not allowed, then that moratorium, it doesn’t matter if it’s there or not. It’s not allowed.”
Key facts
– Cave City Council approves first reading of a one-year moratorium on data center development
– Proposed pause would halt new applications tied to data centers and other high impact industries
– Officials say current zoning rules do not specifically address data centers
– Planning commission would study infrastructure, environmental and land-use impacts during the moratorium
– Meeting drew vocal public turnout, with some residents calling for a permanent ban
– Second reading and potential final vote scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, at 5 p.m.
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