Penn Township Michigan Board considers data center moratorium in Cass County

The Penn Township Board in Cass County, Michigan, approved a 30-day moratorium on data center development during a recent meeting, responding to significant community concern and a formal request from the Diamond Lake Association. Hundreds of residents attended the meeting, expressing strong opposition to potential data center projects in the area. Penn Township Board Supervisor Oli Olafsson stated the 30-day pause will allow time to draft a proper legal moratorium. The board also plans to schedule a public planning board session in a larger venue to review the language for a more extensive moratorium, possibly lasting a year, according to Penn Township Zoning Trustee Roger Leach. Olafsson confirmed that no Penn Township land has been sold for data center projects to date. The move signals increasing pressure on local leaders to establish regulations before any specific development plans emerge.