KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A measure that would buy time for the city of Kalamazoo to update its zoning regulations for controversial high-tech developments is on the agenda again tonight.
Portage and other surrounding townships have already hit the pause button to update their zoning codes to address the negative impacts such operations can have.
That’s Kalamazoo City Attorney Aaron Leal, who says the moratorium can be shorter than a year, but extended if more time is needed to update their regulations.
It would apply to the type of operation being sought by Michael Ward, the owner of a marijuana growing operation in Milwood, who has advertised his building for conversion into a specific kind of high-tech facility.
An AI inference center is smaller, uses less power and water than a big data center, but can generate noise.
Kalamazoo’s moratorium as proposed would include artificial intelligence data storage facilities, data centers, battery energy storage systems and cryptocurrency mining operations.
The moratorium proposal will be sent to the planning commission for further investigation and a recommendation to city commissioners.
If a moratorium is approved, then the real work would begin.
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