Edgewater voters could decide whether to permanently ban new data centers
The City of Edgewater, Florida, is considering a November ballot referendum that would permanently ban new data centers within city limits. City leaders and residents express concerns about flooding, strained infrastructure, and high electricity and water consumption associated with data centers. The City Council will discuss placing the measure on the ballot.
The City of Edgewater, Florida, is debating whether to allow voters to decide on a permanent ban of new data centers within the city's boundaries. The Edgewater City Council is scheduled to discuss on Monday the possibility of placing a referendum on the November ballot that would prohibit the construction, expansion, or operation of data centers.
Mayor Diezel Depew stated that the proposal stems from resident concerns regarding the potential impact of large-scale data centers on the community. Vice Mayor Charlotte Gillis echoed these sentiments, highlighting Edgewater's existing struggles with growth, infrastructure demands, and environmental preservation, arguing that data centers, which require significant electricity and water, are not suitable for the city's remaining land and natural resources. Depew also noted that residents are particularly worried about increased flooding due to ongoing development and the substantial water usage of data centers.
If the City Council approves the measure, Edgewater residents will cast their votes in November. Unlike a city ordinance, a voter-approved referendum would establish a permanent ban, reversible only by a future vote.