The Elkhart City Council is moving forward with a proposed temporary moratorium on new data center developments.

Council members unanimously advanced the measure, with a special meeting scheduled for August 27th to consider second and third readings and hear public comments.

Council President Arvis Dawson says the pause would give the city time to study how data centers and battery storage facilities could affect the community. City officials plan to examine issues including electrical capacity, water use, public safety, traffic, noise and environmental impacts.

Dawson says city leaders also plan to visit communities where data centers are already operating to learn from their experiences.

The moratorium would not permanently ban data centers. Instead, it would temporarily stop new applications while the city develops possible standards for future projects.

A final vote is expected during the August 27th meeting at 6 p.m.