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Antrim Township approves zoning change to designate industrial sites for data centers and battery storage
Summary
After a public hearing with residents raising concerns about noise, water and heat, the Antrim Township Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to amend Chapter 150 (Zoning) to define Battery Energy Storage Systems and Data Centers, rezone 10 parcels (about 104 acres) to Industrial, and make those uses conditional in that district.
Antrim Township supervisors on Jan. 27 approved an amendment to Chapter 150 (Zoning) that defines Battery Energy Storage Systems and Data Centers, rezones roughly 104 acres (10 parcels) from Highway Commercial to Industrial, removes warehouses and distribution centers from Highway Commercial, and adds the two new uses as conditional uses in the Industrial zoning district. The motion carried 5-0.
Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer Sylvia House told the board the ordinance was advertised and noticed in accordance with law and that both the Antrim Township Planning Commission and the Franklin County Planning Commission submitted letters supporting the proposal. House said the changes are intended to “prevent the creation of nonconforming uses” and “prevent spot zoning,” and to require hearings and allow the township to place conditions on data centers to protect the community.
During the public hearing, residents urged caution. Bob Coladonato said data centers and battery energy storage systems “create a lot of noise” and urged the township to adopt a township-wide noise ordinance and to conduct acoustic testing for any proposed facility. Steve Paine raised water-use questions and asked whether the township could cap consumption or impose fines; township staff described enforcement options including Notices of Violation and civil complaints through the District Judge. Lisa Phillips said she was worried about well contamination, noise and power use. Joseph Anderson, who said he has worked on these types of facilities, warned of "insane heat output" and cited concerns about noise, water and electricity demand.
Supervisor Fred Young asked whether the township had to provide a place for data centers; House responded that the township cannot prohibit a lawful use and that designating a zoning district and treating these uses as conditional is their way to manage where they may locate. House also told the board that no applications for data centers had been submitted to the township as of the hearing.
The ordinance does not specify an effective date in the meeting record. Residents who testified said they want additional protections — including a noise ordinance and independent testing — and asked that the board consider water-use protections and tax-treatment policies for large facilities. The board approved the amendment by roll-call motion A Heraty/Cochran, 5-0.
