Purpose of Sheboygan’s Data Center Engagement Series is Clarified by City Hall
The City of Sheboygan has clarified the purpose of its upcoming data center speaker series, which was established after the Common Council adopted a 12-month moratorium. The series aims to educate citizens and inform the development of zoning code updates to protect the city from potential data center impacts once the moratorium lifts.
Sheboygan City Administrator Casey Bradley has clarified the intent behind the city's upcoming data center speaker series, which begins on Wednesday, September 9th. The clarification comes in response to "significant speculation circulating online" regarding the series' purpose.
Bradley stated that the weekly series, featuring expert speakers, was created after the Common Council enacted a 12-month data center moratorium. The temporary pause is designed to allow the city to thoroughly understand data center issues and identify beneficial zoning provisions should a project be proposed in the future. This public format ensures transparency and community involvement, providing citizens direct access to information rather than limiting discussions to council meetings.
According to Bradley, the series is intended to inform thoughtful zoning code updates that safeguard the City, not to advocate for or against any specific data center project. He emphasized the city's need to proactively develop zoning standards to address potential impacts after the moratorium expires, noting that while a lawful business type cannot be banned, its aspects can be regulated through zoning. Council President Susie Boorse welcomed the initiative, highlighting its importance for gathering expert insights and ensuring long-lasting positive impacts on Sheboygan through resulting zoning code changes.