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Franklin County hearing draws large public opposition to proposed data-center rules and rezonings
Summary
Dozens of Franklin County residents urged commissioners to delay adoption of countywide data‑center regulations and three rezonings near Robertsville Road and Highway 100, citing noise, health, water and property‑value concerns; Shaw Nature Reserve’s attorney asked the commission to keep the record open and postpone action.
Franklin County held a public hearing on proposed countywide regulations for data centers and three related rezonings near Robertsville Road and Highway 100, where dozens of residents urged officials to delay action, strengthen protections for neighboring properties and require more public notice.
Many speakers, including long‑time residents, parents and local educators, raised concerns about noise, health effects, water use, electrical demand and property values should large data centers be allowed near small communities and nature areas. “I don’t want to live next to a data center. I want peace and quiet,” said Sherman Smith of Robertsville, who said sustained 50–60 decibel noise from data‑center operations has harmed his hearing and that centers bring only a small number of local jobs but substantial long‑term industrial impacts.
An unnamed commission member clarified procedural boundaries for tonight’s…
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