Hearing tonight on Hubbard Township data center zoning
Hubbard Township is holding a public hearing on proposed zoning regulations for data centers. Residents have raised concerns about noise, electricity and water use, property values, and some are seeking a complete ban, while the township currently has a temporary moratorium on data centers.
Hubbard Township will hold a public hearing on a resolution establishing zoning provisions for data centers and related accessory uses. The proposal would permit large facilities in heavy industrial districts with site-plan approval, allow smaller facilities in general industrial districts, require conditional-use permits for facilities using 10 megawatts or more, and prohibit data centers in residential, agricultural, conservation and flood-plain districts.
The issue has drawn strong resident opposition over potential noise, electricity and water consumption, and effects on property values. Some residents want a total ban, while a zoning commission member said the proposed rules address community concerns. Hubbard Township has imposed a temporary data center moratorium, and Hubbard City residents are voting separately on whether to prohibit data center construction within city limits.