Maysville citizens group promises lawsuit to block 2,000+ acre data center construction in Mason County
A citizens group in Mason County, Kentucky, plans to sue to halt a large data center project due to a lack of transparency regarding the developer.Summary
A public hearing regarding a proposed 2,080-acre data center near Maysville, Kentucky, escalated into a dispute over the developer’s identity. Attorney Hank Graddy, representing local residents, demanded that developer attorney Tanner Nichols reveal the “Fortune 500 tech company” behind the project, arguing he needs to cross-examine the builder and audit their record to properly assess the zoning change. Nichols refused to disclose the company’s name at this stage, citing ongoing contract negotiations for the 28 properties involved.
Graddy has vowed to file a lawsuit to block the zoning change, citing the inability to audit the builder and concerns that the industrial data center doesn’t align with the county’s development plan. Residents like Vicky Bess expressed skepticism about the lack of transparency, calling it “shady.”
Nichols countered that the data center would bring job growth and economic benefits, aligning with the county’s goals, and that zoning regulations shouldn’t impede development. He emphasized the necessity of data centers in powering modern technology. The developer’s full application is available for review, but the company’s identity remains undisclosed pending zoning approval and property acquisition.
(Source：Wcpo)