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South Bloomfield council adopts package of ordinances, enacts emergency moratorium on data centers
Summary
The Village of South Bloomfield Council on Dec. 15 approved multiple ordinances—covering adult-use cannabis rules, a land-use plan update, 2026 temporary appropriations, and zoning updates—and unanimously passed an emergency moratorium on data centers. The council also approved a $500 shelter-house event budget.
Mayor Aaron Thomas presided over the Village of South Bloomfield Council meeting on Dec. 15, where the council approved several ordinances and took emergency action on data-center permitting.
The council adopted Ordinance 2025-22, a moratorium on the issuance and processing of permits that would allow cultivation, processing, and retail dispensing of adult-use cannabis within the village. The motion (moved by Council Member Lisa McDorman and seconded by Council Member Dena Cobb) carried; Council Member Ken Everts cast the lone dissenting vote. The council also approved Ordinance 2025-23 (amending Section 138.02 of village code), Ordinance 2025-24 (an updated Land Use Plan for the North Gate Alliance), Ordinance 2025-25 (temporary appropriations for calendar year 2026) and Ordinance 2025-27 (amendments to the parking code) on their third readings, each by recorded motion and unanimous council votes.
In new business the council approved Ordinance 2025-28, imposing a moratorium on data centers. Council Member Dena Cobb moved the ordinance’s first reading, and the council voted to waive the second and third readings and adopt the ordinance as an emergency. The emergency adoption was unanimous. The moratorium pauses permitting for potential data-center projects while the village considers zoning, infrastructure and service implications.
Votes at a glance: Ordinance 2025-22 (adult-use cannabis moratorium) — adopted (Ken Everts: no; all other members: yes). Ordinance 2025-23 — adopted (unanimous). Ordinance 2025-24 — adopted (unanimous). Ordinance 2025-25 (temporary appropriations 2026) — adopted (unanimous). Ordinance 2025-26 (2025 Planning and Zoning book) — adopted, also approved as an emergency (unanimous). Ordinance 2025-27 (parking) — adopted (unanimous). Ordinance 2025-28 (data center moratorium) — adopted as emergency (unanimous).
Mayor Thomas noted the moratorium has prompted neighborhood discussion; he said residents may place 'no data center' signs distributed by Ashville in their yards. A resident and Daniel Huggett asked how a large project would obtain water service; that question was raised for follow-up but not resolved at the meeting.
The council approved a $500 budget for a Shelter House Valentine's event for children and recorded that Council Member Lisa McDorman will manage food trucks for the 2026 season. The council adjourned at 7:20 p.m.; the next regular meeting is set for Jan. 20, 2026.
