Crossville Council Approves New Data Center Moratorium
Crossville City Council approved the first reading of a two-year data center moratorium to establish proper guidelines and prevent over-extension of city resources. Residents voiced concerns about environmental and infrastructure impacts, particularly water shortages. The city aims to collaborate with Cumberland County, which has a similar ruling, to safeguard the community from potential legal challenges.
The Crossville City Council has approved the first reading of an ordinance to enact a two-year moratorium on data center development within city limits. Mayor RJ Crawford stated that the pause would allow officials to establish appropriate guidelines for these facilities and prevent them from over-extending city resources. This action aligns with a similar ruling passed by Cumberland County, with the mayor emphasizing the need for both entities to be in agreement on the matter.
During public comment, several residents voiced strong concerns regarding the potential impacts of data centers. Resident Cody Flynn described high-density computing facilities as an "existential threat" to the local way of life, advocating for permanent bans rather than temporary moratoriums. Another resident, Anthony Capito, supported the pause but urged the city to remain open to future technological investments if ongoing water shortage issues, currently managed by the Cumberland Plateau Water Authority, are resolved.
City Attorney Randall York advised that the ordinance, which affects property rights, requires three readings to become official. York highlighted that data centers frequently challenge such moratoriums nationwide and recommended that the city collaborate with the county to protect the community from potential legal challenges.