First public hearing on proposed large-scale data center moratorium scheduled for Monday in Lakeland
Lakeland, Florida, is holding its first public hearing for a proposed 12-month moratorium on large-scale computing facilities, including data centers. This action follows significant community opposition to "Project Swan," a 550,000-square-foot development, due to concerns over energy, water, noise, and traffic. City officials are taking this pause to research infrastructure capacity and regulatory frameworks.
Lakeland, Florida, city officials are preparing to review a proposed 12-month moratorium on large-scale computing facilities, such as data centers. The first public hearing on the matter is scheduled for Monday at Lakeland City Hall, with a second hearing set for July 20.
The proposed moratorium stems from considerable community pushback against a massive development known as "Project Swan," a 550,000-square-foot facility planned near Old Tampa Highway and Wilkinson Road. Residents have voiced strong concerns regarding the project's heavy energy and water consumption, potential noise pollution, increased traffic, and impact on local wildlife.
Commissioner Guy LaLonde highlighted that the pause would allow leaders to thoroughly research infrastructure capacity, noise, traffic, and water demands, and to examine regulations used by neighboring jurisdictions. An online petition was launched by resident Ashton Sharrett, urging city leaders to enact the temporary ban, stating the community's desire to control such developments.
Lakeland leaders directed city staff in June to draft the freeze ordinance, prompting the developer of Project Swan to temporarily halt their plans to evaluate the city's initial demands. The specific guidelines for defining large-scale facilities remain undefined, and it is unclear if the Project Swan developers will modify their plans or abandon the location entirely.