Data centers have been in the news a lot lately. I asked Middleton’s Planning Staff whether Middleton’s Zoning Code provides adequate protections in the event someone proposes building a massive data center here. On Tuesday, the staff recommended that the Plan Commission create a new data center zoning “district” but keep the district unmapped. That would prevent any new data centers – especially the “hyperscale” kind – from being located in Middleton without a very public rezoning process (including at least one hearing).
Staff also recommended drafting a one-year moratorium on data center development in Middleton, similar to what Madison did. If passed by Council, the moratorium will give the city time to research whether we need to make any further changes to our Zoning Code to best reflect our values and protect our residents and our resources. I serve on the Plan Commission, and I’m very pleased that my fellow commissioners accepted both recommendations.
Thank you to the Planning Staff for conducting the preliminary research and recommending actions on this important and timely topic. To learn more about the different types of data centers, watch their presentation to the Plan Commission and our discussion on Middleton’s YouTube Channel.
https://www.youtube.com/live/U7NK15neWLE?si=pynSTvU8_wjQgrdJ&t=178
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