MURRAY, Ky. — After weeks of continuous discussion, the Murray City Council held the first reading of the draft ordinance that could regulate data centers Thursday. There has been no official proposal for a center; however, the city is working to be proactive if the occasion arises.
The Murray Planning Commission held its first meeting exploring the matter on June 9, with many in the community calling for more than regulations. Two days later, the Murray City Council announced a one-week moratorium on any and all data center development.
After weeks of continuous discussion, the Murray City Council held its first reading of the draft ordinance that could regulate data centers.
Mackenzie Lionberger
On June 16, the planning commission modified the draft ordinance to accommodate the community’s feedback, including edits to the ordinance’s wording to ensure it does not invite a data center but rather regulates a potential one. Other changes included frequent annual reports, permit renewals, and increasing distance from wetlands.
“I do think that the planning commission took many of the suggestions from previous hearings and incorporated them into the ordinance, and that’s encouraging, that’s democracy at work,” Murray Mayor Bob Rogers said.
“It’s encouraging that they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts with us, and that they’re that interested in this process,” Rogers continued. “So many times, people don’t get involved, and they are involved.”
The planning commission sent the draft ordinance to the city council, who held a first reading at their Thursday meeting. A public hearing for the ordinance will be held on July 16. According to the city council, the date was chosen to give both the community and the council time to review the ordinance before making changes.
Logan Cherry, MSU student, holding a sign against potential data centers in Murray.
Mackenzie Lionberger
“I was very proud to see the community of Murray come out and make so vocal what they wanted,” Logan Cherry, Murray State student, said. “I’m especially happy to see the city council and the planning commission be so transparent and allow the public to come out.”
Cherry said he has attended a majority of planning meetings and has provided feedback on the ordinance during public comment. Additionally, he said he was pleased by the amount of time the council has to review.
Cherry added that civic duty is important, and it’s fulfilling to see the community not only vocalize their concerns but for the local government listen in return.
“It inspires a lot of confidence in me to see that these meetings are all public and we’re actually seeing what’s happening with our city government,” Cherry said.