Leaders of Mississippi’s largest city say no to data centers until regulations established
Jackson City Council members have stated they will not approve any data center projects until new regulations are established, despite a proposed six-month moratorium being tabled. Developer Saxum Investments' rezoning application is on hold pending these new city rules. Residents expressed significant concerns about the environmental impact and strain on local utilities, particularly water and power, from potential data center developments.
The Jackson City Council announced that it will not approve any new data centers until a comprehensive regulatory framework is finalized. During a recent hearing, Council President Brian Grizzell stated that while a proposed six-month moratorium on data center development has been tabled, no projects will advance without the new regulations. Public hearings on the drafted rules are anticipated to begin in late July.
Over 80 people attended the Monday hearing, with many expressing strong opposition to a specific proposed data center in northwest Jackson. Residents, including Thomas Cheddum Jr. and Erin Shirley Orey, voiced concerns about the visual impact of such facilities and the potential strain on the city's already challenged water and power utilities. Orey specifically highlighted Jackson's previous water crisis, emphasizing the need for clarity on water supply impacts.
New Jersey-based developer Saxum Investments has submitted an application to rezone 230 acres of land from residential and commercial to industrial use for a data center project. However, the planning board hearing for this rezoning will not proceed until the city's new data center regulations are in place. Robert Ireland, an attorney representing Saxum, suggested the city could adopt amendments requiring data centers to minimize noise and prove they do not increase utility costs.
Jackson is among a growing number of Mississippi cities, including Clinton and Ridgeland, that are considering or have passed regulations for data centers. While state and local leaders tout the economic benefits and tax revenue from the seven large-scale data centers currently under construction statewide, community members like Wade Brown of the Presidential Hills Neighborhood Association question whether the financial gains outweigh potential negative impacts on residents.