Article

The Franklin Planning and Zoning Commission approved a preliminary development plan for a $1.6 billion data center by TenKey LandCo I LLC. The approval, reached by a 4-0 vote, occurred after extensive public opposition and a nearly four-hour meeting.

The data center, located on 200 acres zoned for heavy industry, is expected to create 100-200 jobs and provide $17.68 million in local revenue. Concerns were raised about energy grid strain and economic benefits.

The approval includes conditions such as monthly updates to the commission and caps on water usage. A related lawsuit by TenKey against Simpson County Fiscal Court over zoning regulations is pending a hearing on March 16.