Voters ask Decatur City Council Members to Consider Data Center Restrictions and Rules

Decatur residents are urging city leaders to address data centers as officials begin rewriting the city’s zoning rules. The City Council voted Monday to hire McKenna Associates to draft a new unified development ordinance and comprehensive plan, replacing zoning last overhauled in 2002. Several neighbors raised concerns about water use and whether the city could restrict heavy consumption before asking residents to conserve. Some council members shared concerns about possible impacts, while others said Decatur should remain open to new development and jobs. City Manager Melissa Hon says data center developers have made contact, but no formal proposal has been submitted. Public input will come before final approval.