Clarksville public hearing draws sharp divide over data‑center bonds

The City of Clarksville opened a public hearing July 30 on proposed industrial development revenue bonds tied to two data‑center projects at 101 Big Danger Road. Council read two endorsement resolutions and two ordinances under Act 9 before hearing more than a dozen residents, business owners and community leaders.

Supporters described immediate and potential economic benefits. “The data center has already been good for our business,” said Mike Powell, a local fuel and restaurant owner, adding that subcontractors and workers patronize his establishments. Michael Lunsford, another Clarksville business owner, urged the council to approve the bonds, saying the developer had committed to infrastructure upgrades and school investments.

Opponents raised environmental, health and fiscal questions. “Vote no tonight,” Heather Fresard told the council after a detailed review of the proposed ordinances, arguing the city could inherit ownership risks and loss of property‑tax revenue if payments in lieu of taxes were negotiated unfavorably. Judy Penny told the council she was “opposed to this bond,” questioned developer transparency and cited internet‑sourced studies linking data‑center infrastructure to health concerns.

Council took a mixed public response into consideration but moved to approve the endorsement resolutions and to place the two bond ordinances on successive readings; the transcript records roll‑call approvals on the ordinances and the CBA framework. The hearing record shows many speakers on both sides asking the council to require stronger contractual protections before finalizing long‑term deals.

The hearing closed after extended comments and the council recessed briefly before proceeding with the agenda.