Lakeland Halts Large-Scale Data Centers Amid Community Concerns, Launches 12-Month Moratorium
Lakeland city officials have approved drafting a 12-month moratorium on large-scale data centers, following significant community opposition to a proposed 500,000-square-foot facility known as Project Swan. Residents expressed concerns about noise, water, energy, traffic, and wildlife, leading the developer to put the project on hold. The pause will allow the city to examine development policies and resource impacts before new regulations are finalized.
Lakeland city officials have granted approval for staff to draft an ordinance establishing a 12-month temporary moratorium on large-scale data center developments. This decision comes after considerable community pushback against a proposed 500,000-square-foot data facility, referred to as Project Swan, planned near Old Tampa Highway and Wilkinson Road.
Residents voiced numerous concerns, including potential impacts on noise levels, water availability, energy consumption, traffic congestion, and the safety of area wildlife. The developer of Project Swan has subsequently placed the project on hold, citing a need to review initial municipal requirements. It remains unclear if the developer intends to abandon the site or submit a revised, scaled-down proposal.
City Commissioner Guy LaLonde Jr. emphasized that the moratorium provides crucial time to assess the demands on water resources, electrical grids, and the environmental effects of such developments. City Commissioner Stephanie Madden highlighted the significant challenge a 300-megawatt hyperscale operation poses to Lakeland's local power grid and water permits, distinguishing it from existing data centers in the area. Resident Ashton Sharrett initiated a Change.org petition advocating for the moratorium.
The initial ordinance proposal is scheduled for a first hearing on July 6, followed by a public hearing on July 20. The 12-month pause is flexible and could conclude earlier if new regulations are enacted sooner, requiring a vote by the Commissioners.