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Planning commission backs data‑center ordinance with 1,500‑foot residential setback after public safety and mining concerns
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a revised data center ordinance that adds a 1,500‑foot setback from occupied residences, noise and vibration controls and limits on generator maintenance hours; residents urged larger setbacks from barns and raised mining, pipeline and groundwater concerns.
The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a revised data center ordinance that establishes a 1,500‑foot setback from occupied residential structures, incorporates noise and vibration provisions, and limits generator maintenance to daylight hours, among other measures.
Commission leaders said the expanded setback is intended to protect township residents. "We have a 1500 foot setback from an occupied residential structure," the chair said, explaining the change from earlier drafts. Commissioners also incorporated noise and dust controls and signaled a forthcoming ordinance to address on‑site fossil‑fuel production and use.
Members of the public raised multiple concerns during the hearing. Cynthia Rossi submitted historic mining maps and warned of mine‑related hazards including subsidence, acid mine drainage and hydrological impacts, and urged prohibiting construction over mined lands or requiring deep‑foundation stabilization. One resident questioned whether the setback should be measured from a property line rather than from the house location, saying, "I pay taxes on all my property... Why just where my house is at does it have to be 1500 ft?" Town staff said the ordinance as drafted uses the occupied residential structure metric; commissioners and staff discussed potential refinements at the Board of Supervisors hearing.
The ordinance also addresses generators and on‑site fuel use: commissioners included limits on when maintenance runs and a forthcoming companion ordinance to regulate on‑site fossil fuel production. Staff noted that a state-level grid program under consideration does not supplant local zoning at this time.
After public comment and discussion the commission voted in favor of recommending the ordinance to the Board of Supervisors. The board will hold a public hearing next Tuesday.
Next steps: the Board of Supervisors will consider the planning commission’s recommendation and public testimony; commissioners indicated they may suggest refinements at that hearing.
