‘We don’t trust the companies,’ say Bloomington residents about proposed data centers rules
Bloomington residents largely opposed proposed data center regulations during the first of two public hearings. Many speakers urged the city to extend the existing six-month moratorium permanently or prohibit hyperscale data centers, while planning commissioners prepare a recommendation.
Dozens of Bloomington residents spoke at a public hearing on proposed data center regulations, with most expressing opposition to data center development. Speakers questioned whether the city should regulate or bar hyperscale facilities and argued that Bloomington, as a home-rule community, should be able to reject them.
Residents also called for the existing six-month moratorium to be made permanent rather than allowing it to expire in late November. The Bloomington planning commissioners are expected to make a recommendation after a second hearing scheduled for Nov. 14 at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.