Urban County Council passes data center moratorium

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - The Lexington Urban County Council unanimously passed a data center moratorium during a Tuesday work session, according to several members of the city council.

A social media post from Councilmember Emma Curtis of the 4th District first announced the news.

1st District Councilmember Tyler Morton said in a social media post that the council initiated a zoning ordinance text amendment with the city’s planning commission to regulate them.

“This action allows our community and local leaders the opportunity to thoughtfully consider the impacts, benefits, and long-term implications of data centers in Lexington before additional projects move forward,” Morton said.

5th District Councilmember Liz Sheehan said in a social media post that the measure will “formally modernize” the city’s regulations related to data centers.

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton supports the measure.

“We need to think very carefully about data centers,” she said. “They do not produce many jobs, and have the potential to increase utility costs on local residents, as well as other concerns. I support very tight controls.”

The move comes on the heels of DartPoints’ purchase of Lexmark’s former New Circle Road property and the city’s announcement that it will not receive incentives.

Something the mayor reiterated on Tuesday.

“We have informed them that we will not support public incentives for this project,” Gorton said.