Council denies data center moratorium, passes liquor license WANE 15 Nightcast
The Fort Wayne City Council rejected a temporary moratorium on data center development in a 4-4 vote. Council members said unresolved issues include electricity rates, water use, environmental impacts, safety and neighborhood effects, while some members called for future data center legislation.
The Fort Wayne City Council voted 4-4 against a proposed temporary moratorium on data center development, meaning the measure failed. Councilman Tom Freistroffer was absent and could have cast the deciding vote. An earlier motion by Councilman Paul Ensley to table the measure was defeated 7-1.
Councilwoman Michelle Chambers, who opposed the moratorium, said the city should pursue binding legislation regulating data centers. Councilman Russ Jehl, who supported the moratorium, said the vote left the city without clear direction and cited unanswered questions about electric rates, water use, environmental effects, safety and neighborhood compatibility. The council also approved a downtown liquor license for Wunderwork Brewing Company by a 7-1 vote.