Supervisors adopt data center ordinance
Granville Township Supervisors adopted a new data center ordinance following a heated special meeting with significant resident opposition. The ordinance will regulate data center development, addressing concerns like water use, noise, and energy demand. Additionally, the supervisors appointed a temporary zoning officer to enforce the new regulations, despite public outcry.
Granville Township Supervisors faced a heated special meeting with approximately 100 residents before voting on a new data center ordinance. Residents voiced concerns about transparency, accusing officials of withholding details and making "sneaky deals" regarding data center developments.
Despite nearly two hours of public comment, including accusations and pleas from dozens of residents, the Supervisors approved the data center ordinance. This new regulation aims to make it more difficult for data centers to establish in Granville Township by addressing issues such as water use, noise, energy demand, environmental impacts, emergency services, and public participation.
Following the ordinance's approval, Supervisor William Paige moved to nominate Township Manager Mary Herto as the zoning officer. This motion met with strong public outrage, as residents pleaded with Supervisors Joe Fiore and Terry Stewart to vote against Herto's appointment, believing she would not support their interests against data center development. Herto had previously stated she was unfamiliar with data centers, and the previous zoning officer had resigned due to workplace morale issues.
Ultimately, the Supervisors approved Herto as a temporary zoning officer, with Solicitor Fred Lighty explaining the necessity of a zoning officer to enforce the newly adopted ordinance.