Antrim Township sets hearing on zoning amendment
Antrim Township, Pennsylvania, is holding a public hearing on July 28 to gather feedback on a proposed amendment to its zoning ordinance. The amendment aims to regulate data centers and battery energy storage systems, with supervisors planning to consider final adoption immediately after the hearing.
Antrim Township supervisors will host a public hearing on July 28 at 7 p.m. at the township office building in Greencastle, Pennsylvania. The purpose of the hearing is to solicit public feedback on a proposed amendment to the township's zoning ordinance, which specifically targets the regulation of data centers and battery energy storage systems.
Following the hearing, the supervisors plan to consider the final adoption of the amendment during their regular meeting. The proposed changes involve revisions to Chapter 150 of the Antrim Township Code, including formally incorporating introductory statements, updating the definition of a data center, and restructuring Section 150-31 to combine battery energy storage systems with data centers under a single regulatory category.
The revised section outlines a comprehensive set of conditions for both types of operations. These conditions cover property size, setbacks, buffers, lighting, handling of hazardous materials, noise, vibration, environmental permitting, waste management, and site security. Additionally, the amendment mandates traffic studies, assessments of water supply and resource impact, groundwater and wastewater testing, emergency response planning, funding for EMS training and equipment, spill-prevention measures, and decommissioning plans supported by escrow accounts. Community benefit requirements and a property value protection process are also included in the proposal.