Kalamazoo city commission sends data center moratorium to planning commission
Kalamazoo city commissioners have approved a resolution to establish a moratorium on high-tech data and electricity storage facilities. The goal is to redraft zoning regulations within a year, with the resolution now moving to the city's planning commission for review before final approval. City Attorney Aaron Leal noted that an outright ban would violate state zoning law.
Kalamazoo city commissioners have passed a resolution to implement a moratorium on high-tech facilities designed for data and electricity storage. The move aims to allow the city to draft appropriate regulations for such facilities within city limits, with a target of completing zoning amendments within a year.
City Attorney Aaron Leal advised against an outright ban on these facilities, stating it would violate the state zoning enabling act. The resolution will now proceed to the city's planning commission for their review and recommendations before returning to the city commission for final approval. Vice Mayor Drew Duncan supported the moratorium, citing concerns about potential expansion plans of a new owner after visiting a related facility, a visit that drew criticism from opponents.