I respectfully oppose the proposed data center development on Bell Jellico Mine Road near Highway 92 in Bell County.

This project is proposed within close proximity to established homes and rural residential property. While economic development is important, it should not come at the expense of the health, safety, property values, and quality of life of existing residents.

My concerns include:

• Increased noise from cooling systems, generators, and associated infrastructure that could affect nearby homes 24 hours a day.

•Increased traffic on Highway 92 and Bell Jellico Mine Road during both construction and operation, creating safety concerns for residents.

• Potential impacts on local water resources, streams, and the surrounding environment.

• Industrialization of a rural area that has traditionally been residential, agricultural, and recreational in nature.

• Possible decreases in nearby property values due to the location of a large industrial-scale facility within sight and sound of existing homes.

• Lack of sufficient local review regarding long-term environmental, infrastructure, and community impacts.

Many Kentucky communities are currently evaluating stricter oversight, zoning regulations, and temporary moratoriums on large data center projects because of concerns regarding electricity demand, water usage, noise, and impacts on surrounding communities. (Kentucky Lantern⁠)

I respectfully request that Bell County officials deny approval of this project, or at a minimum require a comprehensive environmental impact study, noise study, traffic study, and public hearings before any permits or approvals are granted.

The residents who live near this proposed site deserve transparency, meaningful public input, and protection of their homes, property, and quality of life.

Thank you for your consideration.