Michael Slider urges Oldham County to impose data center moratorium

The Oldham County Fiscal Court convened on April 15, 2025, to address community concerns regarding proposed developments in the area, particularly focusing on the potential construction of data centers. The meeting featured public comments from residents, including a representative from the Waters Farms development, who voiced significant apprehensions about the implications of such projects.

The resident highlighted historical issues with previous developments, referencing obsolete structures like the Wave TV tower and WHAS radar tower, which have become symbols of neglect in the community. He expressed concern that new data centers, which have a limited operational lifespan, could similarly leave behind abandoned infrastructure if not properly managed.

The speaker emphasized that Oldham County is currently unprepared to accommodate data centers, noting their absence in the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinances. He criticized the conditional use permit application filed by developers, arguing that it mischaracterizes the nature of the proposed facilities as private utilities. He pointed out that the energy demands of these data centers could overwhelm local resources, specifically mentioning that they would require as much power as the local utility can generate.

In light of these concerns, the resident urged the Fiscal Court to implement a moratorium on new applications, including the one recently submitted, until more comprehensive regulations and community impact assessments can be established. He concluded by expressing a desire for a peaceful living environment, free from the disturbances associated with industrial developments.

The meeting underscored the community's call for careful consideration of future developments and the need for regulatory frameworks to protect local interests. The Fiscal Court is expected to deliberate on these issues further, with potential next steps including the establishment of a moratorium on data center applications.