COLDWATER, MI — No data center projects are currently proposed in Coldwater, but Michigan State University independent researcher Dr. Jean Hardy urged city officials on Monday, Aug. 17 to use ongoing discussions as an opportunity to draft strong controls for potential future development.
City council, planning commission, and Board of Public Utilities members invited Hardy to the joint work session as they prepare an ordinance to regulate potential data centers.
Hardy explained that strong zoning regulations demonstrate a community’s commitment to strict standards and oversight, which can deter data center developers.
Having studied rural digital infrastructure for over a decade, Hardy noted that Michigan is seeing fewer large-scale data center proposals because of growing public opposition, regulatory scrutiny, and policy changes.
“I believe that communities should be concerned about data centers, just like they should be concerned about any form of industrial development,” Hardy said.
Traditional data centers have operated largely unnoticed for decades, but rising demand from artificial intelligence has led to proposals for much larger facilities requiring substantial electricity and sometimes water.
Hardy stated that data centers are essential for the internet and smartphones to function, noting that six are located on the MSU campus.
Major concerns include:
Hardy also highlighted that large data centers can generate substantial tax revenue and community benefits.
“The tax capture is very real,” he said, noting some communities have significantly expanded their tax base through data center development.
Saline and Van Buren townships in Michigan negotiated benefit packages worth millions of dollars for schools, recreation, fire and EMS services, and other public projects.
Hardy’s main recommendation for Coldwater was proactive planning.
“I don’t think that Coldwater is targeted to be a data center development in the near future,” he said.
However, he urged officials to review zoning ordinances, update the city’s five-year master plan, establish noise and lighting standards, and require decommissioning plans for future industrial projects.
Hardy said data centers may not be Coldwater’s next land-use challenge, but preparing now will help the city manage future development proposals.
Attendees in the packed room supported controls and strict limitations on data centers.
Mayor Tom Kramer noted that state law prohibits an outright ban but permits strict local restrictions, a distinction now shaping the city’s draft ordinance.
Contact Don Reid, dReid@USATodayCo.Com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Coldwater hears expert as it drafts data center control ordinance
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter | USA TODAY Network
