Lakeland to discuss proposed 12-month data center freeze
Lakeland officials are set to discuss a proposed 12-month moratorium on high-powered data centers following intense neighborhood opposition to a specific project. The freeze aims to allow time to research concerns related to water demands, electrical grids, traffic, noise, and environmental impacts. The proposal requires public hearings and a commission vote before adoption.
Lakeland, Florida, officials are slated to discuss a proposed 12-month moratorium on new high-powered data centers during an upcoming city commission meeting. This follows city commissioners signaling approval for the city attorney to draft an ordinance to halt large-scale data center development, specifically targeting facilities consuming 50,000 megawatts or more of monthly peak power.
City Commissioner Guy LaLonde Jr. stated that the pause is necessary to research and address significant resident concerns regarding water demands, electrical grid strain, traffic congestion, noise pollution, and environmental impacts. This initiative comes after intense neighborhood opposition to "Project Swan," a proposed 500,000-square-foot data facility planned near Old Tampa Highway and Wilkinson Road.
While officials have not confirmed the number of data center projects currently seeking local utility approval, the proposed freeze requires two publicly advertised hearings tentatively set for July 6 and July 21 at City Hall, followed by a commission vote for adoption.