Planning board seeks 15-month moratorium on data centers
The Southport Planning Board unanimously voted to request a 15-month moratorium on data center construction from the city's Board of Aldermen. This action is driven by concerns over potential infrastructure strain, noise, light pollution, and health risks, as well as a desire to proactively establish proper regulations. The board plans to use the moratorium period to study changes to the city's Unified Development Ordinance regarding data centers.
The Southport Planning Board has unanimously voted to ask the city's Board of Aldermen for a 15-month moratorium on data center construction within Southport city limits. This request comes as planning board members express concerns about the potential negative impacts of data centers on local infrastructure, including noise, light pollution, and health risks such as cancer-causing electrical emissions and water supply damage from dangerous chemicals.
While no data center plans have been submitted, city leaders, including Planning Board Chairman Larry Ashley and Planning Services Director Maureen Meehan, emphasized the need to be proactive and develop proper regulations. The board had previously considered amending the city's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to restrict data centers to highway commercial zoning districts but opted for a moratorium to allow more time for comprehensive study. Residents have also voiced opposition through emailed comments, urging the city not to consider data centers.