By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–There was a full house at Thursday evening’s meeting of the Paris City Commission, with several speaking out against data centers, storm water damage, and the city budget.
On second and final reading, the Commission voted to place a temporary moratorium on the development of property for any type of data processing centers within the city limits.
Before the vote, City Attorney James Smith noted the measure was presented last month and is ‘intended to pause’ the development of data centers for a temporary amount of time until the city can study the issue further. The study period, he said, would take up ‘the better part of a year to accomplish’.
The resolution was passed unanimously, with Commissioner John Etheridge absent due to illness. The resolution reads: “In response to recent interest and inquiries from property owners, this action serves as a proactive planning measure to allow adequate time to evaluate appropriate zoning, locations, developmental standards and potential community impacts.”
During the public forum section of the meeting, Brandi Valentine of Henry spoke out against data centers in Henry County. She and others appreciate the moratorium voted upon by the city commission, she said, but there’s no end date. She said current zoning laws are ineffectual.
She listed several reasons against data centers, including environmental concerns, stress on livestock and humans, and damage to the county water table.
Jennifer Darnell of Old Paris-Murray Rd. said she is a nurse, farmer, daughter, mother, wife and member of the Rescue Squad and asked, “Why is everybody ignoring the facts on data centers?”. She noted the ‘constant stress on animals’ and said “humans are animals” and subject to the same stress caused by the centers.
Curtis Schoolfield of Chandler Rd. said he also is concerned about stress on livestock and the trucks ‘going up and down the road and tearing the new pavement up” on Shady Grove Rd. “Who’s going to pay for that?” he asked.
Vicky Stoope, who lives near the new Paris Crossing shopping center, said she is concerned about stormwater damage already caused to neighboring properties. She and her neighbors are not against progress, she said, but the water from rains ‘is not soaking into the ground”. She said she wanted to know how the city was going to address the problem. “What infrastructure does the city plan to put in?”.
Katie Watson of Jackson Street asked for more accountability by the city in its finances, noting there are three open seats on the commission in the next election. The public is concerned with how tax dollars are being spent, she said.
Both candidates for Henry County Mayor were present at the meeting: David Webb and Jonathon Lodge.
In other business:
–On second reading and recommendation from the planning commission, the commission approved a rezoning request for property on Hwy. 77 from Shopping Center District to Highway Commercial District.
–On second reading and recommendation of the planning commission, the commission approved a rezoning request for property on Hwy. 218 to Highway Comercial for property owned by Harold Bass.
City Manager Kim Foster provided updates on various city projects, including the start of construction for downtown signalization. “It’s going really well. They’re very responsive to business owners. There will be a very different landscape downtown. It hasn’t been as much of a headache as I thought it might be.”
The Brooks Street water infrastructure project has resumed, with intermittent lane closures expected. Completion date projected at July 24.
The construction of the boardwalk at the trout pond at Eiffel Tower Park “is going really well.”
She welcomed Chris Smith, the city’s new Stormwater Coordinator, who already has obtained his Level 1 certification.
Photo: Brandi Valentine at the podium. Shannon McFarlin photo.