LIVINGSTON PARISH — AI data centers are a hot topic of conversation right now, and Livingston Parish residents are concerned one could be coming to the area soon.
The area in question is off of Buddy Ellis Road, between Denham Springs and Walker.
UWK has confirmed that no land deal has gone through as of Thursday morning in Livingston Parish.
Earlier this week, Parish President Randy Delatte shared a video addressing the concerns and rumors circulating social media. “Let me be clear: I have not signed a nondisclosure agreement regarding any business coming to Livingston Parish.
Livingston Officials Respond: “I will blow the whistle”
Delatte went on to say that one of his primary goals as parish president has been to reduce Livingston Parish homeowners’ tax burden by moving the burden to commercial and industrial entities. He added that AI data centers are also a national priority right now; one that will help the nation economically and ensure national security.
“I believe Livingston Parish should have a seat at that table. We should be thinking about what the future could mean for our children and grandchildren,” Delatte said.
While looking toward the future, Delatte also said that this doesn’t mean just accepting a project at any cost. “Water, electricity, drainage, roads, emergency services, and the impact of surrounding neighborhoods must all be addressed.”
Parish councilman Ryan Chavers told UWK that he has not signed an NDA and is currently unaware of any businesses proposed for the area of land in question.
“If I see any evidence that there is one coming, Livingston Parish residents will be the first to know, from me,” Chavers said. “I have not signed an NDA. I have not signed any kind of document that strickens my statements or anything of my beliefs.”
While the parish president says he is open to the idea of a data center coming to Livingston Parish, Chavers said he is firmly opposed.
“I do not support them for multiple reasons. But regarding my seat and where I stand, if I find out that there is one coming and I’ve got solid evidence of it, I will blow the whistle,” Chavers said.
Rezoning of land in question
The area in question was rezoned in late 2025, records show. In a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on Nov. 3, 2025, the commission reviewed the re-zoning request of a parcel of land on Buddy Ellis Road, identified as case number 25-53, parcel no. 0253138.
At the public hearing, parish council member Ricky Goff said he’d signed a “confidentiality disclosure” in regards to the property but that he was “comfortable with what’s coming.”
“Everybody knows there’s a 1,700-home tract that’s projected to go on this same piece of property. That has changed a little bit,” Goff said at the meeting.
When asking the commission to approve the re-zoning, Goff said, “It should help the residents around there as well, and not have 1,700 more homes. And maybe some tax-generating revenue.”
Goff also said at that time that the entire parish council was not aware of the project he’d signed an NDA on.
In a Nov. 20, 2025, the parish council unanimously approved the re-zoning of case number 25-53, which included four parcels of land on Buddy Ellis and Kelli Drive, totaling 692.601 acres, according to public notice. The property owner and applicant was listed as Juban Land Holdings, LLC.
The four parcels of land were originally zoned as residential (R2), garden homes (R3) and light commercial (C1). They were re-zoned as heavy industrial (I-2).
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