Cleveland, Cuyahoga County brace for the data center boom
Cleveland and Cuyahoga County are preparing for a potential data center boom, prompting local officials to consider new regulations. Cleveland City Council plans a hearing on a possible data center moratorium, while Cuyahoga County has offered recommendations to its cities, including implementing zoning and avoiding NDAs.
Cleveland and Cuyahoga County officials are grappling with the imminent arrival of a data center boom, fueled by the demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure, despite growing national public opposition to such developments.
In response, the Cleveland City Council is scheduled to hold a hearing this Thursday on a proposed data center moratorium. Brian Kazy, chair of the Utilities Committee, stated he would approach the hearing with an open mind, aiming to hear from supporters, opponents, and neutral parties.
Simultaneously, the Cuyahoga County government has issued recommendations to its member cities on how to manage data center growth. Jenita McGowan, the county’s sustainability chief, suggested that communities refuse to sign non-disclosure agreements with developers and establish their own zoning regulations, along with stipulations concerning energy, water usage, noise, and setbacks.