“As we know, data centers present a unique and growing challenge for local governments. While they’re often categorized as industrial or warehouse uses, their scale, energy demand, water consumption and infrastructure impacts can far exceed those of traditional industrial facilities.”
That’s Grand Rapids Third Ward Commissioner Marshall Kilgore. He says he’s been contacted by hundreds of constituents concerned about data centers, wondering when one will be proposed in the city.
“So, my interest is in understanding whether our current zoning code includes similar clarity and, if not, whether we could explore updates as part of our zoning work.”
Grand Rapids Planning Director Kristen Turkelson explained to Kilgore during a recent city commission meeting that the city is evaluating how to address data centers in its zoning ordinances.
“So, specific to data centers, yes, evaluating current policy is part of the process that we have before us and we’ll challenge the consultant team to support us, but that won’t be dissimilar from any other newer type use that communities are grappling with or trying to understand what is best for their community.”
There are currently 16 sites across the state being considered for data centers, two of which are in Kent County.
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