Village of Hobart enacts data center moratorium
The Village of Hobart has enacted a one-year moratorium on data center development, approved by the Hobart Village Board. This temporary halt will allow the Village to draft rules and standards to regulate future data center projects. The moratorium aims to assess impacts such as electrical infrastructure, water consumption, and land-use compatibility.
The Hobart Village Board has enacted a one-year moratorium on data center development, following a 4-1 vote on Tuesday evening. Trustee Melissa Tanke opposed the measure, seeking more restrictive definitions for the moratorium. This temporary halt provides the Village of Hobart with time to establish comprehensive rules and standards for regulating future data center projects.
According to Village Administrator Aaron Kramer, a draft ordinance is expected to be ready for public review and input by August or September. The moratorium's purpose is to thoroughly assess potential impacts, including concerns regarding electrical infrastructure, water consumption, wastewater, land-use compatibility, and emergency services. The Village Board reserves the option to extend the moratorium for an additional six months if further time is required to finalize and adopt a permanent ordinance to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents, businesses, and visitors.