Washington Twp. implements six-month moratorium on data center action

Washington Township officials recently enacted a six-month moratorium on the acceptance, processing, or approval of data center facilities, a move that drew "thunderous applause" from residents at the May 20 meeting. The moratorium, proposed by Township Clerk Audrey Brown, is intended to safeguard the community against further data center applications until the planning commission can develop a comprehensive ordinance amendment.

The decision comes after a period of intense public controversy and protest surrounding a proposed zoning change that would have facilitated data center development. Notably, Prologis, a potential data center site developer, had previously submitted a conditional rezoning application for a technical campus and data center on 312 acres in the township, but later withdrew it. Residents, including David Venet and Holly Bishop, voiced strong opposition during public comment, citing concerns about water consumption (referencing a data center in Georgia) and urging officials to protect the community's basic needs.

Attorney Christine Anderson of Seibert and Doloski affirmed that the planning commission is diligently working with experts, including noise consultants, to draft a new ordinance amendment. This process will involve amendment requests, research, a public hearing, and ultimately a presentation to the Board of Trustees for a final ruling. The moratorium will either last six months or until this new ordinance is finalized, whichever occurs first.