Sunbury council adopts temporary moratorium on data centers after hours of public opposition

Sunbury City Council voted unanimously April 15 to adopt a temporary moratorium on data-center construction, zoning certifications and rezonings in the city through Jan. 31, 2027, after residents pressed the council for stronger protections and greater oversight of the study the moratorium directs the city to undertake.

The moratorium (Resolution 2026.12) was introduced at the meeting and, by motion of Councilmember Kappell with a second from Councilmember Grumy, the council suspended the rules and approved the measure by roll call vote — six in favor, none opposed. The resolution directs the city manager to begin a study reviewing federal, state and local regulations and the city’s ordinances related to data centers and related infrastructure.

Why it matters: dozens of residents used the meeting’s visitors period to urge swift action, citing concerns about air and water pollution, low-frequency noise, lighting, wildlife impacts and the scale of industrial zoning near residential areas and reservoirs. Many speakers said they opposed the project proposals in principle and urged council to go…