City of Coldwater works to discourage data center development
Coldwater officials are developing zoning ordinance amendments intended to make the city less attractive to data center developers. The Planning Commission may review a draft in November, followed by a possible public hearing in December, while city leaders say they do not want a data center but must provide a legal framework for potential developers.
Coldwater officials are working with McKenna and Associates to amend the city’s zoning ordinance and define data centers. The effort follows an August joint session where Michigan State University researcher Jean Hardy presented information about data centers and their effects on rural communities and economic development.
Mayor Tom Kramer said Coldwater City Council members do not want to attract a data center, but the city is legally required to offer provisions for potential developers. City Planner Robert Hawley said a draft ordinance could go before the Planning Commission on Nov. 16, with a public hearing potentially held in December. Hardy said opposition across Michigan has prompted data center companies to reconsider new facilities in the state.