<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2oBWZl_1H1o8tv500" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2oBWZl_1H1o8tv500" width="1920" height="1080" ></figure>ROCHESTER, Minn. (KIMT) — Rochester city leaders are considering a temporary pause on data center development as they look to establish rules and hear from residents about whether such facilities belong in the community.The Rochester City Council is scheduled to consider an interim ordinance authorizing a study and moratorium at its Monday, Nov. 16, meeting.City Council President Randy Schubring says the goal is to get ahead of potential development and understand how data centers could affect local resources.“I think it's a big issue across the country, and we really want to get ahead of the issues around data centers,” Schubring said.The proposed moratorium would give city staff and elected officials time to study the issue, including data centers' potential impacts on water, utilities, land use and surrounding communities.One of Schubring's biggest concerns is water usage. Rochester relies on aquifers for its water supply and is already looking at options for future sources.“I think top of mind is the impact on water usage,” Schubring said. “We really use aquifers here, and we're already in the process of looking at what is the next aquifer that we drill down to, to supply our city with its water sources.”Schubring says the city also wants to determine what rules and guidelines may be needed in Rochester's Unified Development Code. He says the current code includes regulations for other types of businesses but does not specifically address large data centers.The proposed study would also look at what other communities have experienced and how the city can make the process more transparent for residents.“When a proposal comes in, do we make sure that our community knows who's considering coming here?” Schubring said.The discussion comes as a data center project is proposed in nearby Pine Island. Schubring says Rochester has heard talk about potential interest in the city, but there is not currently a specific proposal before the city.He says the situation in Pine Island is one reason Rochester wants to prepare before a proposal arrives.“Having strong guidelines as far as disclosures and transparency about the process is really important,” Schubring said. “Who's thinking of coming in and how big is it going to be and how much of an impact it will have on utilities and water supply.”He says the city wants residents to help shape the decision.“What we really want to do is make sure that we have our ducks in order when it comes to data centers so that our residents can really be the decision makers on what we want here,” Schubring said.Under the proposal, the city could impose a moratorium for up to 12 months, with the possibility of an 18-month extension. Schubring says decisions about future rules or whether data centers should be allowed in Rochester have not yet been made.If approved, the moratorium would begin a study and public engagement process. Any proposed changes to city regulations would go through additional review and public hearings.The Rochester City Council is scheduled to discuss the proposal Monday, Nov. 16, at 6 p.m. at City Hall. Schubring is encouraging residents to attend and share their thoughts with the City Council, Mayor Kim Norton and Mayor-elect Joe Powers.</div></body>

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ROCHESTER, Minn. (KIMT) — Rochester city leaders are considering a temporary pause on data center development as they look to establish rules and hear from residents about whether such facilities belong in the community. The Rochester City Council is scheduled to consider an interim ordinance authorizing a study and...

Rochester considers temporary pause on data center development

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ROCHESTER, Minn. (KIMT) — Rochester city leaders are considering a temporary pause on data center development as they look to establish rules and hear from

Rochester considers temporary pause on data center development

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