Lakeland considers 12-month data center moratorium after 'Project Swan' backlash
Lakeland, Florida, city officials are considering a 12-month moratorium on new hyperscale data centers, following significant public opposition to a proposed project called "Project Swan". The moratorium aims to allow time for the city to define "hyperscale" data centers and draft new regulations for land use, addressing concerns about noise, water, electricity, and traffic.
Lakeland, Florida, city officials are poised to discuss a 12-month moratorium on new data centers during an upcoming agenda study this Friday, following intense public outcry over a proposed 550,000-square-foot facility known as "Project Swan." If the city commission signals approval, a de facto moratorium would immediately take effect, halting new hyperscale development applications while municipal staff draft updated land code rules.
Neighborhood residents raised significant concerns regarding noise pollution, water availability, energy consumption, traffic, and wildlife safety. Project Swan's developer has since put the project on hold. Lakeland City Commissioner Stephanie Madden highlighted the challenge a 300-megawatt hyperscale operation poses to the local power grid and water permits, emphasizing the need for a pause to ensure measurable progress and develop appropriate regulations.
The city attorney is tasked with legally defining a "hyperscale" data center and analyzing regulations from other municipalities. City leaders hope this pause will encourage technology firms to innovate new infrastructure solutions or engage in public-private partnerships to address resource demands. A formal public hearing and final vote on the moratorium ordinance are scheduled for July 20, with the 12-month timeline being flexible if new regulations are codified sooner. Officials have not confirmed if Project Swan's developers will abandon the site or submit a revised proposal.