The Clinton County Commissioners recently made a statement concerning the proposed data center in Frankfort. This is the statement they made Thursday:
“We were made aware of the proposed data center project near Frankfort just recently and, like many in the community, are working to better understand the scope and potential impact of the development.”
“As the project area is part of land currently undergoing voluntary annexation into the City of Frankfort, the County has not been directly involved in the planning or discussion process so far. We respect the City’s role in guiding development within its limits and hope to learn more details as they emerge.”
“We understand this project raises important questions-from infrastructure and environmental impact to job creation and long term growth. We are not for or against the proposal at this time; rather, we believe more information is needed before forming a position. We encourage ongoing transparency and communication to ensure this process reflects the best interests of our community as a whole.”
Developers have requested an annexation and a rezone but a financial plan must bereceived before the annexation petition can be presented to the City Council.
Journalist Brett Todd spoke with the Frankfort city attorney and recently published this time frame:
City Plan Commission Public Hearing July 23. The City Plan Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a proposed rezoning request. This is a standard amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance and includes an opportunity for public input, either in person or through written comments. Required notifications have been mailed to affected landowners and advertised in the newspaper. Following the hearing, the Commission will issue a favorable, unfavorable, or no recommendation to the City Council.
City Council Meeting August 11. At this meeting, the City Council is expected to hear the first reading of the annexation ordinance. The agenda will also include the annexation petition, the fiscal plan, and a resolution to adopt the fiscal plan. The Council will receive the Plan Commission’s recommendation on rezoning but is advised to delay rezoning approval until after annexation is finalized, as properties outside city limits cannot legally be rezoned. The developer is expected to attend and be available for questions.
City Council Annexation Public Hearing on September 10 or 11. If the annexation ordinance passes first reading, a public hearing must be held within 30 days. This hearing is expected to take place during a special meeting on either September 10 or 11.
City Council Final Vote – Earliest on September 25. The City Council may adopt the annexation ordinance on second reading no earlier than 14 days after the public hearing. If approved, the rezoning ordinance may also be adopted during this same meeting.