Data center moratorium on Kalamazoo city commission agenda tonight

The Kalamazoo City Commission will consider a measure to enact a moratorium on specific high-tech developments, including artificial intelligence data storage facilities, data centers, battery energy storage systems, and cryptocurrency mining operations. This proposed action mirrors steps taken by nearby Portage and other townships to update their zoning codes in response to potential negative impacts of such operations.

Kalamazoo City Attorney Aaron Leal indicated that while the moratorium could be shorter than a year, it could be extended if more time is required for regulatory updates. The measure specifically targets the kind of high-tech conversion sought by Michael Ward for his Milwood property, currently a marijuana growing operation. Ward has advertised his building for conversion into an AI inference center, which is noted to be smaller and use less power and water than a large data center but can generate noise.

The moratorium proposal will be forwarded to the planning commission for further investigation and a recommendation before returning to the city commissioners for a final decision. If approved, the city plans to begin the work of updating its zoning regulations.