Shouting erupts before DeSoto Planning Commission recommends 2-year moratorium on AI data center
The DeSoto County Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended a two-year moratorium on AI data centers, including an expansion by the DCIP Group, after hearing emotional concerns from Arcadia residents. The recommendation now moves to the DeSoto Board of County Commissioners for a final decision. Residents continue to oppose the project, which would span 1,300 acres.
The DeSoto County Planning and Zoning Commission has voted to recommend a two-year moratorium on AI data centers, a decision that includes the pending expansion applications from the DCIP Group.
Arcadia residents voiced strong opposition during the planning commission meeting, which at one point saw a man removed due to a dispute. Resident Karen Pritchard expressed excitement over the recommendation but acknowledged that the fight is not over, noting that a large data center facility is already being considered in the area. The DCIP Group's proposed project, planned for a former natural gas power plant site, would encompass 1,300 acres, though 34 acres for a 35,000-square-foot data center have already received rezoning approval.
DCIP Group CEO Jon Brown stated in a previous interview that the facility would generate most of its electricity on-site and use groundwater only as a last resort. The company is reviewing all documents and listening to county officials while the moratorium recommendation proceeds to the DeSoto Board of County Commissioners for a final vote. The Commissioners previously voted on June 23 to begin drafting a temporary one-year moratorium ordinance, and now have several options for a final decision.