Union City Borough Council considers zoning ordinance for data centers
Union City Borough Council is working on amending its Zoning Ordinance to include specific regulations for data centers. The proposed ordinance, currently in draft form, will address concerns such as water usage, electricity consumption, and noise. Council's solicitor is continuing to develop this framework.
The Union City Borough Council, during its May 12 meeting, began discussions on amending its Zoning Ordinance specifically for data centers. Council's solicitor, Andrew Schmidt, presented a draft ordinance that aims to establish a regulatory framework addressing critical aspects such as water usage, electricity consumption, and noise levels associated with data center operations. Schmidt emphasized the need to implement initial regulations, stating, "We need to get something on the books as a framework and then we can amend it later." The solicitor will continue refining the draft ordinance.
The meeting also covered other borough matters, including the approval of a resolution to apply for a $249,850 Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Greenways, Trails and Recreation Grant for a recreational trail near the ball fields on First Avenue. Additionally, the council appointed Robert Utegg to the Department of Public Works, reviewed Community Service Day activities by Union City Area High School students, and approved Renaissance Grant projects for borough improvements. Police Chief David Pernice reported on increased transient activity and clarified rules against ATVs on borough streets and sidewalks, following public comments from a school bus driver regarding motorists ignoring stopped buses.