Citizen’s Bank slated to replace Unity Denny’s; planners move on data center guardrails
Unity Township planners unanimously advanced a proposed data center ordinance that would limit locations, noise, setbacks and environmental impacts, despite no data center currently being proposed. The draft will undergo at least two public hearings before the township supervisors consider final approval.
The Unity Township Planning Commission advanced a preliminary data center ordinance after reviewing draft regulations intended to control where facilities could be built and limit their noise, visual and environmental effects. The rules would restrict data centers to industrial airpark or manufacturing zones, require zoning board approval, decommissioning plans and studies covering noise, vibration, traffic and environmental impacts.
The proposal also includes a 500-foot setback from neighboring properties, a 1,500-foot setback from sensitive sites, noise limits of 65 decibels during the day and 60 decibels overnight, and screening walls at least 8 feet tall. Facilities using more than 50 megawatts would have to obtain at least 10% of their power from renewable sources. Township Solicitor Gary Falatovich said the ordinance is likely to change after public input, with hearings expected to begin in November before the Board of Supervisors votes.