Data centers can be good neighbors
Lakeland should rethink its opposition to data centers. Excessive consumption of power and water are now being addressed and resolved by off-grid, “behind the meter” power generation from natural gas and air cooled systems that reduce/recycle water consumption.
Polk is home to Florida Polytechnic University, a technology hub. How does it look when progress is shunned in the home of STEM? Don’t we want more high-paying jobs in Lakeland?
I hope commissioners implement restrictions on water and power usage impacts by data centers, but also welcome those projects that have already addressed these concerns…