McDonald council to weigh emergency data center moratorium
McDonald Village Council is holding a special meeting to consider an emergency moratorium on data centers. This follows a presentation by developer Oppidan Connect for a proposed data center on the former McDonald Steel site. Residents are concerned about the project's impact on electricity, water, noise, and the town's character.
McDonald Village Council has scheduled an emergency special meeting to discuss an ordinance proposing a moratorium on data centers. The meeting is set for 5 p.m. at the McDonald Community Room and will include Mayor Ray Lewis and council members. The agenda does not specify the duration of the proposed moratorium.
This urgent session comes a day after residents heard a presentation from Oppidan Connect, a Minnesota-based developer. Oppidan Connect has been in discussions with McDonald city officials regarding plans to construct a data center on the former McDonald Steel site.
The proposed development has generated significant local opposition, with residents expressing concerns over high electricity and water consumption, potential noise pollution, and the project's impact on McDonald's small-town character. Opponents have actively lobbied city officials for a moratorium to allow time for the implementation of zoning restrictions and other community protections. Under emergency provisions, the council could bypass standard legislative readings to immediately impose the moratorium if it garners sufficient support.