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Residents urge moratorium on data centers; union representatives press for higher wages and affordable health care
Summary
During public comment, residents and environmental advocates urged zoning protections or a moratorium on data‑center approvals; SEIU Local 668 representatives and the Allegheny‑Fayette Labor Council urged the commission to approve a contract with meaningful wage increases and affordable health care.
Several residents and advocates used the public‑comment period to urge the Fayette County commissioners to take action on two fronts: adopt zoning protections for potential data center developments and secure stronger contract terms for county employees.
Ruth Bakosh of Farmington submitted a statement expressing opposition to proposed data‑center development in Springhill Township and Gans, requesting "a moratorium on approvals until zoning regulations are adopted, protections against increased utility costs, requirements for closed‑loop water systems, and greater transparency regarding infrastructure and supply chains." Commissioner Dunn confirmed the statement was entered into the record and said the county is developing zoning regulations that address power generation and water usage and that the commissioners had not met with any data center companies nor were they aware of permit applications.
Nate Rickets of the Mountain Watershed Association urged the county to consider zoning changes and tourism overlays to protect sensitive areas from environmental impacts tied to data centers, natural gas development and fracking. Fayette County resident Lisa Maseech similarly raised concerns about land use, public health, water resources and agriculture.
On labor issues, Michelle Jenkins, business agent for SEIU Local 668, asked the commissioners to approve a contract that includes meaningful wage increases and affordable health care to retain and attract employees. Kim Roach, a probation aide and SEIU member, described increased workload and said proposed contract terms would not adequately compensate employees. John Calesko, president of the Allegheny‑Fayette Labor Council, voiced support for SEIU Local 668 and urged a fair agreement.
Commissioner Dunn noted that Springhill and Wharton townships have their own zoning ordinances and that county zoning regulations are under development. The minutes do not record any formal action immediately following public comment.
