Thanks in large part to Knox County Commissioner Andy Fox with extensive coverage from Backroom Knox, the issue of data centers and possibilities of many data centers locating in Knoxville and Knox County. On June 22, the Knox County Commission will consider this Moratorium of data centers. Yesterday, June 8, enter Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon with a letter to Knox Planning,
Ms. Brooks:
I am writing today to request Knoxville – Knox County Planning staff research best practices regarding the placement, siting, and function of data centers in the City of Knoxville. More specifically, I seek recommendations for a potential ordinance to provide guardrails for the site selection and operational requirements of data centers within the City.
Residents, elected officials, staff, and I have concerns about the potential impacts of large data centers on immediate neighbors and the broader community.
Additionally, – plan to bring an ordinance to City Council later this summer to consider a one-year moratorium on large data centers in the City of Knoxville. This should provide adequate time for Planning staff to work with the City’s team of experts in Sustainability, Policy, Law, Plans Review and Inspections, and others to prepare a recommendation for Planning Commission and ultimately, City Council.
It is my understanding that Knox County has also asked Planning to prepare recommendations for data center development. Ideally, the City and County would coordinate their efforts or at minimum adopt a unified approach.
I appreciate your team’s effort to help the City of Knoxville address this emerging and critical issue.
Sincerely,
Indya Kincannon
Mayor, City of Knoxville
So, while Knox County Commission votes in two weeks on Commissioners Russell and Fox moratorium on data centers, it seems, Knoxville will have consideration for a one year moratorium while Knox Planning begins placing some possible restrictions before both bodies. Obviously, this issue will exceed the term of office for Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs , this could be the first issue for Knox County Mayor Betsy Henderson, the new County Commission along with Mayor Kincannon and City Council to work together.
