Warren City Council tables data center ban, proposes temporary data center committee
Warren City Council tabled proposed legislation to ban data centers within city limits, opting instead to form a temporary committee to study the issue. The ban was introduced due to concerns over noise, utility strain, and environmental impact. The council currently lacks specific zoning language for data centers.
Warren City Council has tabled a proposed ban on data centers within city limits, choosing instead to establish a temporary committee to conduct further research. The legislation, introduced in May by Councilwoman-at-large Helen Rucker and 7th-Ward councilman Ronald White Sr., aimed to prohibit data center development due to anticipated issues such as excessive noise, strain on local utilities, and environmental concerns.
Mayor Doug Franklin proposed the committee, emphasizing the need for council members to gather more information given the rapid advancements in data center technology. The committee plans to invite a neutral expert to educate the council on various data center types and their potential community impacts. Councilwoman Rucker, while still preferring a full ban, indicated she might withdraw or allow changes to the legislation after the council's recess in September.
Currently, the City of Warren does not have specific zoning regulations for data centers and has yet to initiate discussions for related city ordinance changes. Second-ward councilwoman Tina Milner expressed support for the committee, wishing to make an informed vote. Mayor Franklin confirmed that no companies have yet approached the city with proposals for data center construction.