Council passes moratorium on data centers
The Elkhart City Council unanimously passed a moratorium on new data center and battery storage facility projects. This measure provides the city time to conduct studies and develop a future unified development ordinance. The moratorium took effect immediately and will last until December 2027.
The Elkhart City Council held a special meeting on Thursday, during which it unanimously voted to enact a moratorium on new data center and battery storage facility projects within the city.
City Councilman Aaron Mishler and City Council President Arvis Dawson were present, and members of the public, including resident Nekeisha Alayna Alexis, spoke in support of the measure. According to John Espar, corporation counsel for the city, the moratorium is intended as a stop-gap to allow the city to conduct necessary studies and inform the development of a future unified development ordinance.
The moratorium became effective immediately following the vote and is set to remain in place until December 2027. Its purpose is to temporarily pause the acceptance and consideration of new applications for such facilities.