Why a moratorium on data centers is not the answer | Opinion

Two St. Joe County councilors, Diana Hess and Mark Catanzarite, penned an opinion piece in the South Bend Tribune advocating against a proposed moratorium on data center development within the county. They argue that such a broad halt to economic growth could lead to expensive legal challenges and harm the county's reputation with potential investors and businesses. The councilors acknowledge resident concerns about future development but propose that a moratorium is not the most effective solution. Instead, they suggest evaluating each development project on its individual merits, crafting specific ordinances to codify expectations, and outlining detailed requirements in development agreements. They contend that this approach allows for a balanced planning process, contrasting it with moratoriums that they believe exacerbate conflicts and make rational decision-making difficult. Hess and Catanzarite highlight the significant population and density of St. Joe County (272,912 residents, 596 people per square mile) compared to five smaller, more rural surrounding counties that have implemented moratoriums. They stress the county's need for continued economic development to bolster its tax base, reduce the burden on residential taxpayers, and create well-paying jobs, especially in light of impending budget cuts from SEA 1 in 2027. They conclude that thoughtful deliberation and compromise, rather than an abrupt halt, are essential for the county's long-term prosperity.