Jackson hosts data center forum amid growing public debate. What to know
The City of Jackson is grappling with a significant public debate over data center development, prompting officials to host a forum and consider new regulations. A proposed moratorium on new data centers was tabled due to legal concerns, while a specific rezoning request by Saxum Investment Group was postponed amidst strong resident opposition. The city plans further public hearings to discuss comprehensive data center regulations.
The City of Jackson's Planning and Development Department is set to host a data center forum on Friday, June 12, at Jackson State University, addressing the escalating public debate surrounding data center development. Residents are actively protesting, with city leaders debating new regulations to manage projects, spurred by concerns over water usage, noise, infrastructure demands, and environmental impacts.
Recently, the Jackson City Council considered a proposed 183-day moratorium on new data center development, introduced by Council President Brian Grizzell. However, this ordinance was tabled on May 20 due to legal concerns about its compliance with state zoning laws.
On May 27, a Jackson Planning Board meeting became confrontational as dozens of residents, carrying signs like "No Data Centers," protested a rezoning request by Saxum Investment Group. Saxum sought to rezone approximately 190 acres near Forest Avenue and Interstate 220 for a future data center. Despite the public outcry, the Planning Board, at the request of Saxum's attorney Robert Ireland, agreed to postpone the rezoning hearing until June 24, allowing for further city discussions on data center regulations.
Before that Planning Board meeting, the City Council will hold a public hearing on June 22 to discuss possible city-wide data center regulations and updates to the zoning ordinance, inviting public comment. This highlights the ongoing tension and the city's efforts to establish a regulatory framework for data center expansion.