COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A rare joint session of Coldwater government that included City Council, The Planning Commission and CBPU Board connived Monday night to hear a informational presentation on DATA Centers from an expert from Michigan State University.
Jean Hardy is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Media & Information where he leads the Rural Computing Research Consortium and serves as a Research Fellow at the Quello Center. His research areas include, rural computing, science and technology studies (STS), computer supported cooperative work (CSCW), and rural studies. His research focus primarily revolves around the role of technology in rural economic and community development.
Hardy said the backlash across the state from communities opposing data centers, has now caused those companies to rethink on the prospects of building new facilities in the state
Hardy said some communities have issued moratoriums on data center development while others are enacting strict ordinances to better control how and where they operate, he said for that option to be viable the ordinance should be worked into the cities five year plan to avoid data center companies finding a loophole for development.
He said the effects of a data center on property values depends on the size
Hardy also said the adverse effect on water and electric consumption largely depends on the size and type of data center.
Mayor Tom Kramer also said during the meeting there was no desire to bring a data center to Coldwater
Last nights meeting was informational only, no action was taken but city officials say they will continue pursuing new ordinances to make the community less attractive to potential developers.
Comments