Diamond Lake Association calls for data center moratorium in Cass County

Residents of Cass County, Michigan, through the Diamond Lake Association, are calling on leaders in Penn Township and Cass County to implement a two-year moratorium on data center development. Kelly Ball, President of the Diamond Lake Association, stated that the pause is necessary to gather more information and allow the community and local officials time to understand the potential impacts of large-scale data center projects and address related zoning issues. The association, a volunteer group aiming to be the voice of residents, has sent a letter to local elected leaders regarding this request. Ball mentioned that there has been significant discussion about potential projects in Penn Township, leading to their proposal for a two-year halt in development to allow for the creation of "smart zoning rules" that would guide future development. In response, the Supervisor for Penn Township in Cass County confirmed that no data center companies have yet approached them. The Supervisor also expressed openness to the conversation about a potential moratorium. Ball hopes that Penn Township officials will bring up the moratorium request at their upcoming board meeting to initiate discussions.