Charlevoix moves to regulate data centers before developers arrive

Data centers are becoming a growing concern for some Michigan communities. Currently, some local leaders are coming together to get a jump on the developments before they step into town. The Charlevoix Director of Zoning and Planning said part of the reason they're looking to set up early regulations is that if they don't exist, if and when a developer does come to town, it would be much harder to limit what those data centers could look like. "If it went to court, the city would lose," said Jonathan Scheele, Charlevoix director of planning and zoning. Across Michigan, data centers have become a big topic of conversation. “Our state and federal elected officials have done nothing to definitively stop the problem or give us further tools to do so,” said Mark Heydlauff, Charlevoix City manager. That's why the City of Charlevoix is getting a jump on the subject before developers get to town. “The regulation that we can come up with is to mitigate the effects and the concerns that people have and try to address them as transparently as possible,” Heydlauff said. So far, the city has not been approached by any developers looking to set up shop in Charlevoix. The director of zoning and planning said if developers do come and the city has no formal regulations, it would be much harder to restrict what those data centers could look like. “So with planning and zoning law, the what is in place at the time of an application is what will rule over a development,” said Scheele. “So if you don't have a rule, it really opens up to what they want to do.” For the past six months, the Charlevoix Planning Commission has been working to develop ordinances for a potential data center in the city. “State planning and zoning law requires us local jurisdictions to allow every use that is out there,” said Scheele. So, we don't have the option of banning them.” Scheele said the board isn't leaning for or against data centers, but they want to be prepared if a developer does approach the city. “The City of Charlevoix wants to regulate them to what is best for our city,” Scheele said. The ordinance is still in the research phase to see what those regulations will look like, but Scheele said he's expecting the ordinance to be finalized early next year. The Charlevoix Planning Commission will meet next to discuss those data center regulations on Oct. 12, and the public is welcome to attend and offer their input. DETAILS: https://upnorthlive.com/news/local/charlevoix-moves-to-regulate-data-centers-before-developers-arrive -------------------------------- For all of your news, weather and sports needs: http://www.upnorthlive.com Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/UpNorthLive Follow us on twitter: @upnorthlive.com Download our app, available for iPhone and Android! #traversecity #localnews #news #video #upnorthlive #michigan