A Kentucky mother and daughter say they have turned down a combined $26 million offer to sell their farmland to a developer representing an unnamed Fortune 100 company planning to build a large data center.
Ida Huddleston said she has repeatedly rejected the offer for her 71-acre property in Mason County. The proposal valued the land at $60,000 per acre, totaling about $4.26 million.
Her daughter, Delsia Bare, also refused to sell her 463-acre farm after the developer offered $48,000 per acre, which would have totaled more than $22 million.
“I said I don’t want your money, I don’t need your money, but I do feel sorry for everybody around us,” Huddleston said.
The pair said they declined the offers because they believe the proposed data center could negatively affect the surrounding community. They also said the developer’s repeated attempts to buy the land have strengthened their resolve to keep their property.
Bare said the company’s refusal to reveal its identity has raised additional concerns.
“When they will not reveal who they are that’s a major player in what you’re going to do with the rest of your life if you are stuck here or even if you are leaving here,” Bare said.
The proposed data center would be located near Big Pond Pike Road in rural Mason County, about an hour and a half from Lexington.
Several landowners in the area have reportedly been approached about selling farmland for the project, which local officials say could bring significant economic development.
Tyler McHugh, economic development director for the Maysville-Mason County Industrial Development Authority, said the project could create around 400 full-time jobs and more than 1,500 construction jobs in the region.
However, Bare said she doubts those jobs would remain long term.
“My guess is you won’t have over 50 and they won’t even be here at this building when it’s said and done,” she said.
Huddleston, who is 82, said she has no plans to change her decision.
“I’m staying put,” she said.
Even if developers continue pursuing the land, the project would still require approval from the Mason County Fiscal Court before moving forward.
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