Posey County APC holds public hearing on potential data centers
The Posey County Area Plan Commission held a public hearing to discuss proposed amendments to its Unified Development Ordinance regarding data centers, which would require special exception approval and stricter operational limits. Residents also reiterated their requests for a two-year moratorium on data center development. Commissioners did not vote on the amendments and will hold another public hearing on September 24th.
The Posey County Area Plan Commission (APC) convened a public hearing on Tuesday night to address ongoing concerns regarding data center development in the county. The commission considered amendments to the Posey County Unified Development Ordinance aimed at tightening regulations for data center construction. Under the proposed changes, data centers would no longer be considered "by-right" developments, instead requiring "Special Exception" approval. Furthermore, they would be subject to strict operational limits, including a 30-foot height restriction and a 1,000-foot setback from non-industrial properties.
Joe Marvel, president of the Posey County APC, indicated that commissioners have been researching how other areas have handled data center development, learning from past mistakes and successes. Community members, including Kathy Weinzapfel, continued to advocate for a two-year moratorium on data center development, emphasizing the complexity of the issue and the need for more thorough investigation, noting that neighboring counties have already taken similar steps.
While residents expressed a desire to collaborate with the APC to draft effective amendments, the commissioners did not hold a vote on the proposed changes during this meeting. They committed to continuing to gather community feedback and scheduled another public hearing for September 24th.