Green Oak Township Board Approves “High Resource Demand Facilities Overlay District”
The Green Oak Township Board has adopted a "High Resource Demand Facilities Overlay District" and associated ordinance to proactively regulate potential data center developments. Supervisor Mark St. Charles indicated the board can now deny data center proposals and plans to add more stringent conditions. Future amendments aim to prohibit NDAs, restrict water usage, and mandate carbon neutrality for data centers.
The Green Oak Township Board of Trustees recently adopted an amendment establishing a "High Resource Demand Facilities Overlay District" to its zoning map, covering six specific parcels. This action, accompanied by an approved ordinance, aims to proactively address the potential development of data centers and other high-resource facilities within the township.
Supervisor Mark St. Charles emphasized the board's proactive stance, stating that the township is in a better position to regulate or deny future data center proposals. He highlighted that the adopted ordinance contains extensive conditions and requirements, which are continuously being expanded based on new information.
Further amendments are planned, including a proposal to prohibit non-disclosure agreements for any township employee or elected official involved with such facilities. Other anticipated changes include restrictions on water usage and discharge to protect drinking water aquifers, and requirements for data centers to be carbon-neutral.
St. Charles clarified that while a moratorium was considered, the board opted for a continuous, proactive regulatory approach, believing it to be more effective than a temporary halt. The designated parcels for potential development are spread throughout the township in areas chosen to minimize impact on residents.