My Thoughts on Data Center and the Office of Planning Recommended Regulations
Your public engagement has brought results. The Planning Commission was required by the Metro Council (I strongly supported this) to draft regulations to regulate future data center developments, and their report is finally here: Planning Commission Staff Report. That is good but we are not finished yet. It is now time for even more feedback from the community.
Whether we think Artificial Intelligence (AI) is just a magnified spell-checker or an invention bigger than fire, AI technology is now profoundly pervasive in our everyday lives. My aide, Ashkan, and I have been researching and learning about this ever-growing technology that lives in data centers but affects nearly every aspect of our lives.
This is not an editorial arguing for or against AI. This is about local regulations around data centers. Where should they be located? Where should they get their water and energy? What about noise?
Did you check the weather on your smartphone or watch TV today? Have you used electricity generated by LG&E? if you are reading this now, you are almost certainly using a cell phone or computer – more machines and services that are powered by data centers.
Like many of you, I am concerned about the development of these large, hyperscale data centers in our city, especially close to residential areas. Our main reasons for concern are these centers’ disturbing noise pollution, their increasingly unfathomable drinking water usage, the lack of transparency, and future energy price increases. According to the American Public Health Association, chronic noise exposure alone can cause heart disease and stress-related complications. I do not want this for our children and our community.
A Microsoft-related data center complex in Arizona can use about 1.8 billion (you heard it right) gallons of water per year. According to the National Environmental Education Center, average household water use is 70,000 gallons per year. That hyperscale data center consumes water equal to a population of roughly 50,000 people.
This is a complicated issue, and your public engagement helps us make wise decisions. Details in the draft regulations matter. There are many points that are too vague or unanswered for me. For example, what does the "substantial separation" from homes and schools mean? We need real numbers. Or prohibiting centers from exceeding 500,000 square feet? That is about 8 football fields – the irony is that I Googled how many football fields fit in 500,000 square feet, and the answer was generated by Google's AI search engine. For perspective, a 35,000-square-foot data center in Wyoming runs on 500,000 gallons of water per month.
I intended to keep this short to let you read the regulation and submit your comments.
However, this is a very important issue that I take seriously. The health and well-being of people is a priority over any type of profits. My office created this District 21 data center comment form to hear from you directly. I look forward to your comments.
Data points for my notes are from the Business Insider documentary on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-8TDOFqkQA.
Louisville – The Louisville Metro Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Below is a summary of key legislative actions and recognitions from the meeting.
Top Actions from Tonight’s Meeting
- Approved zoning and development, including the areawide rezoning of the Givaudan Sense Colour facility, a revised development plan for Chick-fil-A, and amendments to the NuLu Crossing TIF district.
- Approved public safety protections related to search warrants.
- Approved grants and community investments, including funding for summer meals, Seneca Park tennis court reconstruction, local arts organizations, youth programming, and neighborhood events.
Old Business
Denied
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O-075-26: Save Haven Law Denied amendments to Chapter 39 to create the Safe Haven Law. Vote 2-21-1
Approved
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O-137-26: Areawide Zoning of Givaudan Sense Colour Facility Approved a zoning change from M-2 to C-M at 1901 R Payne Street. Vote 25 – 5 - 1
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O-138-26: Revised Detailed District Development Plan for Chick-fil-A Approved a revised DDD plan for properties at 9718 Dixie Highway and 5308 Citation Road.
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O-144-26: TIF for NuLu Crossing Development Project Approved amendments of the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district for the 700 East Main Street Development Area.
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O-047-26: Creating New Sections Regarding Search Warrants Approved provisions governing the issuance, requirements, and execution of search warrants.
- Neighborhood Development Funding Approved For:
- Louisville Tool Library
- Bard’s Town Theatre for New Works and Production Program
- Crescent Hill Fourth of July Festival
- Prominent Youth of America for Jackson Woods Summer Program
Consent Calendar
All items passed unanimously
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O-145-26: Setting Green Fees for Metro Parks Golf Courses Approved updated green fees for Metro Parks golf courses.
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R-045-26: Summer Feeding Service Grant Accepted $59,357.92 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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R-046-26: Honoring Rev. Dr. Leonard Ramsey Approved honorary naming of the corner of Dixie Highway and Gaulbert Avenue for Rev. Dr. Ramsey sponsored by Councilman Lyninger.
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R-057-26: Reconstruction of Seneca Park Tennis Courts Accepted $265,000 from the United States Tennis Association.
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R-051-26: U.S. Department of Justice Grant Funding Accepted $19,942.31 in grant funding through the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Watch the Meeting
Tonight’s Council meeting and attachments may be viewed online and on the Louisville Metro Council Facebook Page.
Next Meeting
The Metro Council will meet on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 6:00 p.m
 Over the past few years, I’ve been proud to support the Preston Area Business Alliance (PABA) in its mission to strengthen and expand businesses along the Preston Corridor. My office has helped secure financial support through Metro while also working closely with PABA and Mayor Pearl of Lynnview to connect local businesses with city resources and new opportunities.
I’ve also advocated for economic development funding that helped establish resources like METCO and the South End business funds -- both designed to support local businesses and entrepreneurs. More of this funding is still available, and I encourage our residents and business owners in District 21 to take full advantage of these opportunities.
In addition, I partnered with University of Louisville marketing students, who developed business plans that some corridor businesses can use to grow and thrive in this diverse and vibrant area.
I was also glad to be part of the Mayor’s initiative to reimagine the Preston Corridor. The La Villa Lou mural and presentation are a great start, and I’m excited to keep that momentum going.
That’s why I’ve invited the Director of Economic Development to this month’s community chat to share information about loan opportunities, city resources, and new proposals like “Big Streets, Small Business.” These efforts will support businesses along the corridor and across South Louisville, including Beechmont, Wilder Park, and Iroquois.
Please join me on June 24 at 6:30 PM at Lynnview City Hall.
 On June 3, 2026, I met with the directors of LouCity & Racing Foundation, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and Parks & Recreation to check out the progress on the Beechmont futsal court.
I haven’t played soccer in many years, but I still love seeing young people out on the field. It’s exciting to see this futsal court getting a well-deserved glow-up, with new construction that will refresh and improve the space for the community. It’s also encouraging to see our advocacy helping move this project forward.
My office will also be partnering with LouCity to organize another youth soccer tournament to celebrate the opening, along with a workshop to connect young people to city resources and job opportunities. Stay tuned for more details!
 Fun fact: the turf we’re pulling out
 🚧 Sidewalk repairs are officially ahead of schedule on both sides of Woodlawn Avenue. Crews are saw cutting, clearing broken concrete, and restoring tree wells to make our business district safer and more accessible.
Thank you to Public Works, our contractors, and local businesses for their patience during this brief construction period. This upgrade will make our local businesses more accessible and our streets much more welcoming for everyone. 🚶♂️
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What’s Next?
Our office has unlocked funding for a couple dozen additional sidewalk repairs across District 21 this year. Through general Metro funding, even more sidewalk repairs are expected to be scheduled soon. The list on the left reflects the projects we recently funded through our office as well.
How We Prioritize
This list was built directly from repair requests submitted to us by residents, and we schedule the work based on the order in which they were received. While our office routinely visits every neighborhood, we cannot spot every cracked sidewalk across the vastness of our district on our own.
When scheduling, top priority is given to walkways connecting neighborhoods to main roads for transit, areas near schools, and paths providing direct access to businesses.
We Need Your Help!
We ask all D21 neighborhoods to submit a 311 request whenever you see a spot in need of repair. Your quick action helps us improve all of District 21 -- thank you for partnering with us to keep our community safe!
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 The I-65 closure between I-264 (Watterson Expressway) and downtown (Jefferson Street) remains in effect through July 31 as part of a project to replace three aging bridges. 🚗
Detours & Travel Tips: Through traffic is routed to I-264. Use navigation apps for real-time routing. Downtown remains accessible via Jefferson Street and I-64 connections. 🔗 Check Live Traffic Before You Go:sigalert.com
🔗 Project Updates & Maps: [https://i65centralcorridor.com/] ⚠️
We Want to Hear From You: If you’re experiencing challenges or delays, please let us know.
Your feedback helps us communicate real concerns directly to KYTC and advocate for improvements. This temporary disruption supports long-term upgrades for a safer, more reliable I-65 corridor. 📞 Questions? Contact our office and we’ll connect you with KYTC.
 🌿 Check Out the South End Community Market!
🎶 Join us at the South End for a fun community market day! Stop by to check out local goods, meet neighbors, and enjoy the atmosphere. Plenty of great finds and good vibes waiting for you!
 What better way to connect as neighbors than through live music? Our office is incredibly proud to help bring this concert series to the community!
While we’ve already enjoyed two wonderful performances, we still have two great evenings left—June 19 and June 26, from 6:30–8:30 PM at the Gazebo.
Join us for a fantastic lineup featuring classical, bluegrass, jazz, and classic rock. A huge thank you to Metro Council Districts 9, 12, 17, and 24 for their generous partnership in co-sponsoring this series. We also deeply appreciate the Beechmont Neighborhood Association for organizing everything, along with all of our amazing community sponsors who make these events possible.
Grab your lawn chairs and blankets—we’ll see you at the Gazebo! 🎪🎸
 🎉 Free Summer Kickoff Events for Families
Join the Office of Violence Prevention and Louisville Parks & Recreation for a day of free, safe, family-friendly fun on Saturday, June 13 from 1:00–5:00 PM!
📍 Events will take place at multiple community locations, including: Beechmont Community Center, California Community Center, Newburg Community Center, Parkhill Community Center, Shawnee Community Center, Southwick Community Center, Sun Valley Community, Center Taylor Berry Park, (South End Standup) Baxter Community Center (MOLO Festival), Shelby Park (Blueprint 502 3x3 Basketball)
🌟 District 21 Highlight – Beechmont Community Center:
Stop by Beechmont for great food and activities, including:
🍔 StrEats Food Truck (burgers & fries)
🌭 Hot dogs, 🍧 sno-cones & refreshing drinks
🎶 Live DJ
🎨 Arts & crafts activities
🏓 Cornhole (possible tournament!)
✨ Bring your family, meet your neighbors, and enjoy a fun-filled start to the summer!
 🖤 The Legacy of York Program
📅 Date: June 16, 2026 🕠
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Location: George Rogers Clark Park (1024 Thruston Ave, Louisville, KY 40217)
The Juneteenth Jubilee Commission, Frazier History Museum, Filson Historical Society, African American Heritage Center, and Roots 101 are collaborating on a powerful program highlighting the legacy of York. The event will feature well-known artists and speakers, including Ed Hamilton, Frank X Walker, Jim Holmberg, and Dr. John Chenault, with tours and engaging discussions. ✨
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