Rural regions of the country have become targeted by data center developers. A large amount of land and generally easy utility hookups have brought developers to small towns. But some communities are starting to push back before a development is even considered.
Hancock, Houghton and Portage Township have started working toward limiting how data center developments take shape in the Copper Country. None of the three municipalities have received inquiries about data center developments. However, leaders have started to take action after hearing concerns coming from within the community.
“I actually brought it to the planning commission because I wanted to see if there was interest in doing something because it has become such a hot topic,” said Mary Babcock, City Manager of Hancock. “The city of Hancock is not a prime location by any means for a data center, considering the amount of electrical power that is needed and the size of property that would most likely be needed for a data center. But it is something that we want to get in there and address.”
Houghton was the first community in Houghton County to move toward regulation on data center developments. In July, the city council approved a one-year moratorium on data center developments while the planning commission determines ordinance language. City Manager Eric Waara says any ordinance will need to look at how these developments have impacted neighbors and nearby properties.
“What are the things that cause the most, the biggest issues for the neighbors, the public and really looking at having in our ordinance the language to deal with those things as we do with other things,” Waara said. “You don’t put a convenience store in the middle of a residential neighborhood.”
On Tuesday, Portage Township Planning Commission Chairman, Adam, Griffis extended an offer to collaborate on language with the city of Houghton, with Hancock and Portage Township. The municipalities hope to work together, bringing together a community collective to protect residents. Waara expects that work will begin soon after leaders have a chance to meet.
In my mind it’s kind of like a task force of planning commission members, said Griffis. That are willing to volunteer, get together and look at what lessons other communities have learned the hard way.”
“I’ve got a draft started just with, it’s literally an outline, but it’s gonna be one of those things that then each community is gonna have to tailor it for their own limits,” Waara said. “So, I mean, just going forward with this, I think we’ll all end up with a better ordinance in the end.”
Giffis shared the Portage Township Planning Commission heard from a group of residents in June, who expressed concern over what a data center development in the Copper Country could mean for those living in the area. As chairman for the Portage Township Planning Commission and a member of the city of Hancock’s planning commission board, he volunteered to help spearhead research into the topic.
“When we were talking about it in Hancock, I volunteered to do the same research for Hancock as I was doing for Portage. Because it’s pretty much going to be the same thing,” shared Griffis. “And then it popped into my head, I wonder what Houghton is doing, because I know the council did a moratorium. So I popped into their meeting last night and asked them to collaborate. And they seemed pretty open to it. So that’s encouraging.”
Data center developments need to take into account the impact on residents and businesses within a community. Those interested in learning more about community action to address data center developments can learn more about Hancock, Houghton and Portage Township online.
