City of Cleveland joins growing list of communities considering data center moratoriums
Cleveland is considering a one-year data center moratorium, proposed by Council Member Charles Slife, to update zoning codes for data centers. This comes amidst opposition from residents and a coalition against a proposed $1.6 billion project by Lakeland Equity Group, whose initial permit application was rejected due to incompleteness. A statewide coalition is also working on a ballot initiative for a data center construction ban.
Cleveland, Ohio, is considering a one-year moratorium on data center construction, a measure proposed by City Council Member Charles Slife. The pause aims to allow the city to update its zoning codes to better regulate data centers, including establishing guidelines for size, utility usage, and environmental impacts. This initiative comes amidst strong community opposition to new data centers.
Residents like Ronald Motley, who lives near a site where Lakeland Equity Group proposed a $1.6 billion data center, have joined a coalition led by Yen Manzey. The coalition raises concerns about environmental fallout, noise, light pollution, increased utility bills, and decreased water pressure. While Lakeland Equity Group’s initial construction permit application was rejected, a city spokesperson confirmed it was due to incompleteness, not a definitive denial. Lakeland Equity Group expressed disappointment and is considering its next steps.
Council Member Slife acknowledged that current zoning laws require permits to be issued if all code requirements are met, even without public support. The coalition hopes the moratorium will lead to a comprehensive data center ban and is eager for its swift enactment, particularly before Lakeland Equity Group can resubmit a complete application. Separately, a statewide coalition in Ohio is working to place a large-scale data center construction ban on the November ballot, requiring hundreds of thousands of signatures by July.