Romulus Enacts 180-Day Data Center Moratorium

Published November 9, 2026: Romulus City Council has unanimously approved an immediate, 180-day moratorium on data center proposals, giving city officials time to study regulations for the facilities. Data centers and Flock cameras were among the topics discussed at a Monday City Hall meeting, where residents voiced environmental concerns and opposition to having a facility in their neighborhood.

The pause was first proposed for data centers requiring at least one gigawatt of electricity. Council members broadened it to cover all data centers before approving the measure.

The resolution assigns the Romulus Planning Commission the task of examining how to assess facilities’ electricity needs and environmental effects, and of considering zoning rules. Mayor Robert McCraight said Romulus currently has zero data centers and has received no proposals. He said the pause would allow time to draft an ordinance, gather information and seek expert input.

Some residents and council members said they wanted the city to consider a complete ban. Resident Kelly Babowicz argued that a temporary pause would not go far enough. Council members Kathleen Abdo and William Wadsworth likewise raised the possibility of banning the facilities outright.

McCraight said officials should also consider whether smaller data centers could serve local industries, including Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. The city’s next step is to study the facilities’ potential impacts and develop regulations during the moratorium.

Romulus Gets Time to Put Data Center Impacts First

Romulus has put data center proposals on hold for 180 days, giving the city time to assess the facilities’ electricity demands and environmental effects before setting rules. The unanimous council vote followed residents’ concerns about environmental impacts and having data centers in their neighborhoods.

The moratorium applies to every data center, after council members expanded an initial proposal that covered only facilities requiring at least one gigawatt of electricity. The resolution directs the Planning Commission to study impacts and consider zoning regulations.

Residents and two council members pressed for more than a temporary pause. Kelly Babowicz said the city should pursue a complete ban, and Abdo and Wadsworth, two council members, likewise proposed examining that option. Their concerns underscore why officials should not treat a short-term moratorium as a substitute for strong, lasting protections.

Mayor Robert McCraight said the pause would let the city gather information, consult experts and draft an ordinance. He also said smaller data centers might benefit area businesses, such as Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. Romulus has no data centers at present and has received no proposals. The city will use the moratorium period to weigh potential impacts and develop rules.

Romulus Pauses Data Centers Before Setting City Rules

Romulus has stopped all data center proposals for 180 days, even though the city has no such facilities and has received no proposals. The unanimous decision gives officials time to gather expert input and write rules before determining what kinds of development may make sense for the city.

The council broadened the measure from a proposed restriction on facilities needing at least one gigawatt of electricity to a pause covering every data center. The Planning Commission will study electricity demand and environmental effects and consider zoning regulations.

Mayor Robert McCraight said smaller data centers might support local industries, including Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. That possibility deserves consideration alongside concerns about environmental impacts, rather than ruling out every facility before the city has evaluated the facts.

Some residents, including Kelly Babowicz, said a moratorium is insufficient and called for a complete ban. Abdo and Wadsworth, both council members, likewise proposed considering an outright prohibition. McCraight said the city needs time to assess the different factors and develop an ordinance. The temporary pause will give officials that opportunity.