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Residents press commissioners over potential data center, county economic director says land is privately owned and county has no zoning
Summary
During public questions at the Feb. 17 session residents asked the Adams County commissioners to consider a moratorium, to review water and electricity use for a proposed data center and to clarify permitting; Economic Development Director Paul Worley said the county has no countywide zoning (except Wayne Township), no site plan has been submitted and Economic Development does not issue permits.
Residents addressed the Adams County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 17 about a potential industrial project near Ginger Ridge, urging consideration of a moratorium and asking for transparency about permitting and utility use.
Community members raised concerns about ongoing drilling and water-line construction in the Ginger Ridge area and specifically requested that the board tour a potential data center site and obtain water- and electricity-usage information. One commenter asked what criteria the county would use to judge whether an industrial deal qualifies as beneficial for the community.
Economic Development Director Paul Worley responded that Adams County does not have countywide zoning except in Wayne Township and that the land in question is privately owned. Worley said Economic Development had not received a site plan or permit application for the project, noted that former Stuart Station has attracted inquiries because a switchyard is already on site, and said his office balances respecting the county’s rural, forested character with pursuing employment opportunities.
Worley also urged residents concerned about village-level infrastructure and revitalization to engage directly with village councils. Commissioner Kelly Jones encouraged local involvement in workforce development as part of long-term community planning.
What’s next: Residents asked for a county tour and utility usage data; Economic Development said no formal permitting had been submitted. Any change in permitting or a formal application would be reflected in future meeting agendas and permitting records.
