Johnson City continues to address possible data centers

Johnson City commissioners may temporarily halt new businesses in heavy industrial, or I-2 zones, in order to buy time to craft stricter limits around Bitcoin mines and other data centers. After a public outcry, Mayor John Hunter told WJHL Wednesday that a moratorium on new business in I-2 zones is likely. City attorney Tom Seeley told commissioners a pause would have to apply to any new businesses within the I-2 zones where data centers would be allowed, which could give the city time to craft even more limits on data centers. A vote could come at a June 5 meeting that would also likely include final passage of at least some initial zoning rule changes to address data centers. By law, local governments can only prevent illegal businesses from operating.