Planning Commission - July 27, 2026

The Hastings Community TV Planning Commission met on July 27, 2026, primarily to discuss the potential enactment of a moratorium on data centers within the city. The commission reviewed the impacts of data centers, including electricity demand, water use, land use compatibility, noise, and other infrastructure concerns. They noted the lack of current definitions and regulations for data centers in the city code and considered a one-year moratorium to pause new data center applications while the city studies appropriate zoning and ordinance amendments. The commission emphasized the importance of public hearings and community input during the ordinance amendment process. A motion to recommend that the City Council consider adopting the moratorium ordinance was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. The ordinance was scheduled for first and second readings before the City Council in early and mid-August 2026. No other procurement or contract-related matters were discussed during the meeting.