Because of what the City identifies as “significant speculation circulating online regarding the purpose of these events.”, Administrator Casey Bradley has clarified the genesis and intention of the upcoming speaker series on data centers that begins on Wednesday, September 9th. That is the first in a weekly series of expert speakers during September that will address the various aspects of data centers and their impacts – whether positive or otherwise – on the community.
In a Monday afternoon release, Bradley said that the series was established after the Common Council adopted a 12-month Data Center Moratorium. The temporary pause was intended to provide the City with the opportunity to better understand the real issues surrounding data centers, and to identify what zoning provisions may be beneficial to the city and its citizens should a project ever be proposed in Sheboygan. By developing the series of experts in an open, public format, the issues involved can be addressed directly to the citizens rather than to a Council meeting for discussion solely among elected officials. He noted that this approach “ensures transparency, community involvement, and access to reliable information.”
In the release, Bradley asserted that the purpose is intended to inform the development of thoughtful zoning code updates that protect the City, and is not designed to either support or oppose any specific data center project. To responsibly protect the community after the moratorium lifts, Bradley said that the City must proactively develop zoning standards addressing potential impacts of data centers that may seek development within the City in the future. While the City is prohibited from banning a lawful business type, he said that it can regulate certain aspects through zoning, which is why expert guidance is essential.
Council President, Alderperson Susie Boorse stated, “I welcome the opportunity to gather valuable input from a variety of speakers through this series. It’s important that we explore expert insights on areas that we may not yet have anticipated as a community. The benefits of these sessions and the resulting zoning code impacts will likely have long-lasting positive impact on Sheboygan for many years to come.”
Citizens are encouraged to visit the City’s Speaker Series website for more information on the speakers and the full schedule.
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