Trustees OK yearlong pause on zoning for data center
Athens Township Trustees in Ohio have unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on zoning permits for a proposed data center. This decision was made due to strong local opposition and concerns from officials about environmental impacts, water, and electricity demands. The moratorium will allow the Zoning Commission time to address these issues and gather community input.
The Athens Township Trustees in Ohio have unanimously enacted a one-year moratorium on zoning permits for a proposed data center, following strong opposition from local residents. The decision, made during a special session, aims to allow the township's Zoning Commission time to assess environmental impacts, land use, and address community concerns regarding the facility planned for 300 acres across U.S. 33, spanning Athens and Dover townships.
A New York developer had engaged with local officials regarding regulations for the site. Trustee Steve Pierson highlighted that large portions of Athens County, including over 100 acres in Dover Township, currently lack specific zoning regulations, making the area attractive to developers seeking fewer restrictions, a point echoed by Jack Pepper of the Regional Planning Commission.
The Athens Port Authority and the Athens County Economic Development Council issued a joint statement announcing that data centers are not part of their long-term economic plans. They voiced significant concerns about the high water and electricity demands of data centers, as well as skepticism about the number of permanent jobs they create. Officials emphasized a desire for economic development that fosters lasting prosperity and wealth within the community, drawing a parallel to the region's historical role in supplying natural resources without retaining much of the resulting growth.