Garfield Township puts a 1-year ban on data centers, cryptocurrency mining
Garfield Township in Michigan has enacted a one-year temporary moratorium on data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities. The Township Board unanimously approved the ban to allow officials to better plan for future proposals, following strong public support and concerns over environmental and utility impacts. This action likely stalls proposed plans by developer Tom Cervenka.
Garfield Township in Michigan has unanimously approved a one-year temporary moratorium on data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities, with an option to extend for six additional months if deemed necessary. The Township Board's decision, which took place on Tuesday, was met with universal acceptance and strong support from the public, according to Township Supervisor Joe McManus.
The measure comes after residents packed a July planning commission meeting, expressing significant concerns about the potential impact of data centers on local water resources, electricity rates, and the environment. John Sych, the township planning director, had noted earlier that moratoriums are not explicitly covered by Michigan state law regulating local zoning, leading the Garfield Township Planning Commission to recommend an amendment to the zoning ordinance to allow such temporary bans.
The temporary ban is expected to stall plans brought forward by Illinois-based developer Tom Cervenka, who had proposed repurposing an existing building on Cass Road for a small-scale data center. Garfield Township's action aligns with a growing trend among northern Michigan municipalities that are implementing similar temporary bans amidst the broader statewide discussion about data center development, particularly the potential for large "hyperscale" facilities.