New Albany moves forward on data center moratorium
New Albany city officials are advancing a proposed moratorium on data centers to establish regulations for the rapidly growing industry. The proposal will undergo discussions at an upcoming Planning Commission meeting and subsequent hearings by the city council. A former data center worker urged prompt action, citing concerns about other communities being caught off guard by unchecked development.
New Albany, Indiana, is moving forward with a proposed moratorium on data centers as city leaders aim to regulate the rapidly expanding industry. Officials and planners are researching various types of facilities, ranging from massive hyperscale centers used by major AI companies to smaller units that could potentially be located in residential areas.
David McOwen, a former data center worker, urged city leaders to act promptly, warning against potential unpreparedness seen in other communities. He specifically cited Charlestown, where a data center was unexpectedly built adjacent to residential housing, and advised against being overly influenced by job creation promises from developers.
The proposed moratorium is scheduled for discussion during a special meeting of the New Albany Planning Commission on Tuesday and will subsequently be presented for two additional hearings before the city council.