Data center review committee gives update to residents in Fulton County
Fulton County's Data Center Review Committee provided an update to residents regarding its research on data center impacts during a one-year moratorium. Residents expressed frustration over a lack of quorum at meetings and perceived lack of transparency, leading to a lawsuit against the Area Plan Commission for allegedly violating Indiana's Open Door Policy. The committee is working on recommendations for a data center ordinance for county commissioners.
Fulton County's Data Center Review Committee delivered a three-month update to residents on its research into data center impacts, following the implementation of a one-year moratorium on data center development. The committee is tasked with studying the issue and formulating recommendations for a new data center ordinance for the county commissioners to consider.
Residents, including Lindsy Shambaugh, voiced concerns about the slow pace of the committee's work, a lack of quorum at meetings, and a perceived absence of public access and transparency. The Area Plan Commission (APC) specifically faced criticism for these issues. Richard O'Neil, another Fulton County resident, has filed a lawsuit against the APC, alleging violations of Indiana's Open Door Policy and demanding greater transparency, with a court hearing scheduled for this Wednesday.
Despite these challenges, the Data Center Review Committee stated it has made progress by consulting with communities like New Carlisle and hearing from speakers, including the Hoosier Environmental Council. The committee has six months remaining to finalize its research and present findings to the county commissioners for the drafting of the new ordinance.