Debate intensifies in Cave City over potential data center development
Cave City currently does not have zoning regulations specifically tailored to data centers, though a vote on new language is expected at a May 11 council meeting at 5 p.m.
What to know:
- Cave City officials are preparing to consider new zoning rules as debate grows over whether data centers should be allowed in the community, with council members Ronald Coffey, Leticia Cline, Andrew Bagshaw, Beverly Ford and Clifton Parsley opposing them and citing concerns about scale and impact.
- Cline says proposed safeguards, like water-use coordination and setback requirements, don’t go far enough, while Mayor Dwayne Hatcher supports keeping data centers as a permitted industrial use to encourage economic development.
- A vote on the zoning changes is expected May 11, as nearby cities update ordinances and Barren County officials note there are currently no specific data center projects proposed locally.
CAVE CITY, Ky. — Opposition to potential data center development in Cave City is intensifying, with city leaders divided over how the community should regulate future projects as zoning discussions move forward.
City council members Ronald Coffey, Leticia Cline, Andrew Bagshaw, Beverly Ford and Clifton Parsley have publicly voiced strong concerns this week, warning that proposed zoning language could open the door to large-scale industrial development.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, data centers are highly energy-intensive facilities that store and process digital information and can consume significantly more electricity per square foot than traditional commercial buildings.
Coffey said he does not believe data centers belong in or near the community.
“I just wanted to share my thoughts on the DATA CENTER,” Coffey said. “We don't need it anywhere around Cave City.”
Cline issued a more detailed public statement, arguing that Cave City currently lacks specific zoning protections for data centers and warning that, under existing rules, such projects could be permitted in portions of the city.
She said a previously drafted ordinance introduced by Planning & Zoning would have added stronger safeguards, including a requirement for projects to go before the Adjustment Board for additional review. According to Cline, that provision was later removed from the version now being considered.
“That was our protection. That was our leverage. That was the safeguard,” she said.
Cline urged residents to oppose the ordinance in its current form, arguing it weakens the city’s ability to block future development and could reduce public oversight in the approval process.
Parsley and Bagshaw also took to Facebook, saying they were shocked to learn about the data center interest and even asked others for their input.
“There's no more beautiful and friendly place than Cave City, KY,” Parsley said. “I feel we must preserve that for generations to come. I’m for growth and progress, but I feel we should be going after industries that hold those values.”
The discussion comes as Cave City Mayor Dwayne Hatcher has taken a different stance, urging planning officials to maintain data centers as a permitted use within the city’s industrial zoning rather than shifting them to a conditional use designation.
Planning and Zoning Director Kevin Myatt has previously explained that conditional use status would require proposals to go before the Barren County Board of Adjustments for additional review.
Permitted use would allow projects to move forward under established guidelines with fewer procedural hurdles.
In a letter to planning officials obtained through an open records request, Hatcher said keeping data centers as a permitted use would help position Cave City for economic development opportunities.
“Allowing data centers as permitted use ensures that our city can act decisively and efficiently in pursuing opportunities that contribute to sustainable development and community advancement,” Hatcher said.
Mayor Hatcher's Letter by brennan.crain
Proposed standards include limits on location, energy and water use requirements, setback distances from residential areas, and decommissioning plans.
Cline said that even though the proposed ordinance includes limits such as water-use coordination and setback requirements, she does not believe those restrictions go far enough to adequately protect Cave City from large-scale data center development.
Text Amendment Summary - April 2026 by brennan.crain
Cave City currently does not have zoning regulations specifically tailored to data centers, though a vote on new language is expected at a May 11 council meeting at 5 p.m.
“I believe growth should benefit the people who already live here, protect our resources, and align with the long term vision for our community, not simply bring in revenue at the expense of our future,” Bagshaw said.
Across Barren County, several cities, including Glasgow and Park City, have already moved to update their zoning ordinances as a precaution amid broader interest in data center development.
Brennan Crain
However, Glasgow Mayor Henry Royse and County Judge/Executive Jamie Byrd told Barrenside they are not aware of any specific data center projects currently proposed or on the horizon within Glasgow city limits or the county.
Barren County does not have countywide zoning, but Byrd indicated the issue may be reviewed as soon as this month.
“We want to protect our citizens,” Byrd said, citing concerns about Mammoth Cave, local waterways and potential impacts on electric rates.
