COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The City of Coldwater Planning Commission voted unanimously this week to reject a proposed temporary development moratorium, opting instead to immediately begin drafting a comprehensive, permanent ordinance on data centers.
Local officials argued that a temporary freeze would unnecessarily stall economic growth and create regulatory uncertainty for businesses, aiming instead to fast-track a definitive legal framework.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Robert Hawley explained that temporary freezes offer no long-term protection, noting that the city requires clear, definitive rules regarding exactly where and how these high-utility facilities can operate.
The pivot to a permanent ordinance signals the city’s intent to establish stable, long-term development guidelines, with planning personnel set to integrate updated land-use policies tailored to the city’s current economic climate.
Public workshops and comment sessions are expected in the coming months to gather community feedback before the final ordinance is presented for adoption.
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