Penn Township, MI, approves one-year pause on data centers
Penn Township, Michigan, has approved a one-year, non-zoning moratorium on data center applications. Many residents are dissatisfied, arguing that the ordinance lacks necessary zoning protections and are pushing for stronger amendments. Township officials plan to work on these zoning amendments and seek professional advice.
Penn Township in Cass County, Michigan, has approved a one-year, non-zoning moratorium on data center applications, following a unanimous recommendation from the Penn Township Planning Commission. The measure, adopted by the Penn Township Board, temporarily halts new data center proposals.
However, the decision has met with dissatisfaction from many local residents who argue the moratorium does not go far enough. During a packed meeting at a VFW in Cassopolis, residents voiced concerns that the ordinance lacks crucial zoning protections needed to safeguard the community before any data center developments proceed.
Penn Township Board Attorney Sara Senica stated that a zoning ordinance amendment is planned, though it is still approximately 60 days out. Residents had urged the board to reject the current ordinance and revise it to include protective zoning language.
Moving forward, the township board intends to hire a third-party attorney to review the existing ordinance and engage a professional planner to advise the planning board on future amendments, a process officials anticipate will take some time.