Residents and experts urge Kalkaska County to consider moratorium on data centers

Several residents and remote experts urged the Kalkaska County Board of Commissioners on March 18 to consider a moratorium on data centers so local officials and planners can examine potential environmental and social impacts.

Rachael Overmire addressed the board "requesting consideration of a moratorium to prevent data centers," saying she provided sample resolutions for the board and asked the Planning Commission to review zoning options. Heather Wysor, who said she recently moved to Kalkaska, told commissioners she moved because of the lack of zoning restrictions and urged local action; remote participant Mitchell Distin, identifying himself as a doctor and biologist, said he supported moratoria, citing "adverse social, economic and natural resources effects." Drain Commissioner Seth Phillips told the board that "few communities are prepared for the complex issues presented with data centers" and recommended pausing new approvals to allow time for study.

The comments came during the public input portion of the board's regular meeting and were repeated later in the evening by other speakers, including Amber Rowlett and Dale Gribble, who warned of environmental harm and urged board action. No ordinance, moratorium resolution or formal Planning Commission referral was introduced during the meeting; commissioners discussed concerns and requested the Planning Commission consider restrictions as part of its work.

The board did not adopt any immediate moratorium at the March 18 meeting. Commissioners who spoke in the meeting noted the Planning Commission and zoning tools are the typical venues for land-use restrictions; any legal limits, timelines or specific zoning language would need to come through that process or a formal board action at a later date.