Town of Janesville Planning and Zoning Committee recommends data center moratorium
The Town of Janesville's Planning and Zoning Committee recommended a moratorium on data centers to the Town Board after a public meeting saw widespread opposition from residents. Attendees raised concerns about agricultural land preservation and environmental impacts, urging officials to implement a ban. The Town Board is expected to vote on the moratorium soon.
The Town of Janesville's Planning and Zoning Committee has recommended a moratorium on data center development to the Town Board, following significant public opposition. During a meeting relocated to the Woodman's Sports and Convention Center due to a large turnout, residents voiced concerns over the preservation of agricultural land and potential environmental and health impacts, with some advocating for an outright ban rather than just a temporary pause.
Doug Rebout, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Committee, clarified that while there are no active data center plans in the town, an inquiry about an application had been received. He stated the proposed moratorium would provide the town with time to research data centers thoroughly. Residents like Dan Kerns expressed the community's general disinterest in having data centers nearby, while another attendee implored officials to consider a complete ban.
The final decision on the moratorium rests with the Town Board, with a vote potentially occurring as early as Monday. This development follows a unanimous vote by the Janesville City Council in June to abandon plans for a potential data center at the former GM/JATCO site.