Blakely adopts zoning amendments including data-center rules despite resident petition

Blakely Borough Council on Nov. 17 adopted amendments to the borough zoning ordinance that add new rules on data centers, short-term rentals and standby generators following a special public hearing and public comment from residents who oppose allowing a data center in a nearby special conservation zone.

The amended ordinance was presented to the council by Borough Secretary Christopher R. Paone at a special hearing. Residents raised questions about whether the borough had received any inquiries from potential data-center developers and about potential impacts on groundwater, noise, electrical infrastructure and wildlife. Charles Gauditis presented a petition signed by roughly 30 families from West Mountain Road opposing rezoning of an S2 special conservation area to allow data-center construction, citing concerns about pollution, effects on wells and disturbance of habitat.

Residents’ concerns included potential effects on private wells, whether standby generators or other power sources would create noise or air pollution, and whether wireless or electrical interference could affect nearby homes. Ann Marie Klassner asked specifically about wireless and electrical interference; Paone said most data-center buildings are shielded and that the borough had included technical limits in the ordinance to help prevent such impacts. Paone also told the hearing the borough had not received any new inquiries about data centers since the previous developer withdrew and said the borough would supply any power to a data center from a separate feed, not from the main town supply.

Council action: Solicitor Atty. Abrahamsen read the amendment during the regular meeting that followed the hearing; council member Michael Henzes moved to accept the amended zoning ordinance, seconded by Kevin Swift. The motion carried with all ayes.

Why it matters: The zoning changes add a regulatory framework for facilities and uses that residents said could materially affect a conservation area and neighboring wells and properties. Residents who presented the petition said they feared the rezoning would allow development that would convert a substantial portion of the special conservation site; council leaders said the amendment balances new land‑use categories with technical safeguards.

What’s next: The council adopted the amendment at the Nov. 17 meeting. The transcript records no formal appeal or referral at the hearing; any procedural or legal challenges would follow existing municipal code timelines and are not recorded in these minutes.