KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo city commissioners have scheduled a discussion tonight on whether to impose a moratorium on the construction of new data centers.
Portage has already done so, and similar discussions have taken place in Comstock and Oshtemo townships.
The issue became more pressing for the central city when a marijuana growing operation near Milwood put their building up for sale, stating it would be a good location for one of the high-tech digital storage facilities.
Citizens have already expressed opposition.
Data centers can be unpopular because their cooling systems use a lot of water and make a lot of noise. The computer servers use a lot of electricity, and opponents say that drives up everyone’s utility bills.
Proponents say they create jobs and expand the tax base.
There is no proposal on the agenda, just a discussion.
The meeting gets underway at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
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