LEXINGTON, Ky. , The Lexington Urban County Council has voted unanimously, 11-0, to extend the city’s data center moratorium for another full year, keeping the pause in place until Oct. 31, 2027.
Following Tuesday’s special meeting, Councilmember Emma Curtis championed the push to fast-track the measure, noting that the matter is deeply personal to her.
“My father died of cancer as a result of unregulated materials that he was exposed to, and he could have been protected from that potentially,” Curtis said.
Councilmember Liz Sheehan cast the lone dissenting vote against advancing straight to the second reading, emphasizing the importance of gathering more public feedback.
“I’m not going to support a suspension of the rules. I will vote yes on the ordinance,” Sheehan said.
The procedural motion for the second reading passed 10-1, and the Council subsequently enacted the full moratorium extension with an 11-0 vote.
“I am overwhelmed with emotion at this outcome tonight and I am thrilled that our council was willing to pass my motion to suspend the rules,” Curtis said.
Leading up to the final vote, community members urged local officials to maintain a firm boundary.
“Everyone in this city is making it very clear that we don’t want these data centers in Lexington now or ever,” Colin Harris said.
“Out of town tech corporations are treating Lexington like an open-air garage, and this council cannot be allowed to hold the door open for them,” Emily Isaacs said.
Curtis noted that she prioritized the community’s urgent feedback over outreach from Dart Points, a firm seeking to establish a local data center at Lexmark.
“Dart points has reached out and requested to meet with me privately. I don’t feel that is appropriate,” Curtis said.
The Council is scheduled to take up the two proposed data center zoning amendments again on Oct. 22.
“Speaking for Council Member Morton and myself, we expect the work to begin immediately upon passage,” Curtis said.