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Residents call for 12-month moratorium on medium and large data centers
Summary
Dozens of residents urged the committee to impose at least a 6- to 12-month moratorium on medium and large data centers to allow time for research on water use, power, noise, and decommissioning; several offered sample ordinances and volunteer support.
Multiple residents and community members urged the Community Development Committee to adopt a moratorium on medium and large data centers while staff and stakeholders research environmental, health and infrastructure impacts.
"A 12 month moratorium is needed," said Steven Wodega of Baldwin, citing local experience using a year-long moratorium to craft a solar ordinance. Commenters raised concerns about high water use, electricity demand, noise, transparency in land deals, and possible mental-health impacts on children from 24/7 operations.
Speakers offered practical resources: Sue Curtis and others referenced sample moratoriums (six to 18 months) and lists of model ordinances they had shared with staff. Several residents volunteered to help gather sample text and resources for drafting local rules. Committee members said the moratorium would allow staff to develop definitions and design standards and to consult towns and the Wisconsin Towns Association before a public hearing.
