Caddo commissioners reject data center moratorium step
Caddo Parish commissioners voted 6-4 against forwarding a proposed data center moratorium to the Planning and Zoning Commission. The resolution, introduced by Commissioner John-Paul Young, aimed to initiate a review of a potential construction pause in commercially and industrially zoned areas of unincorporated Caddo Parish.
Caddo Parish commissioners rejected a resolution to advance a proposed data center moratorium, voting 6-4 against sending the measure to the parish Planning and Zoning Commission. Commissioner John-Paul Young introduced Resolution 53, which sought to have the Planning and Zoning Commission consider recommending a pause on data center construction in commercially and industrially zoned parts of unincorporated Caddo Parish.
Young emphasized that the Monday vote was not to impose a moratorium but to begin the process of review and potential recommendation by the PZC. He cited overwhelming public concern and suspicion regarding data center development, as well as worries about the financial stability of the data center industry nationally. Commissioner Chris Krackman seconded the motion, advocating for the PZC's assessment before any final decision by the commission. Parish Attorney Donna Frazier previously advised that zoning moratoriums in areas outside Shreveport's city limits, where the parish has zoning authority, must first go through the Planning and Zoning Commission, a process that this resolution aimed to initiate.