Hancock Planning Commission Discusses Proposed Data Center Ordinance and Moratorium
The City of Hancock Planning Commission met to discuss a proposed ordinance regarding data center development and the possibility of a moratorium. No action was taken at this meeting, but the commission plans to strictly regulate data centers. They are awaiting finalization of related plans in Portage Township before proceeding.
The City of Hancock Planning Commission recently convened to deliberate on a proposed ordinance for data center development and broader plans concerning Navy Street, though no definitive decisions were made. Commission member Andy Lathi, a developer, was unable to present housing plans due to meeting time constraints. Discussions regarding Navy Street also brought forth allegations of inaccuracies in cost estimates and a potential conflict of interest involving a city manager and a lot developer.
Separately, the commission addressed the future of data centers in Hancock. Commission member Adam Griffis, who also chairs the Portage Township Planning Commission, clarified that Hancock's planning body is neither for nor against data centers but is committed to implementing strict regulations on their potential community impacts. Griffis indicated that the City of Hancock would hold off on any data center actions until Portage Township's related plans are finalized. A memo from Griffis outlined existing zoning language and the city's regulatory stance, also citing a draft data center moratorium in Solon Township, Kent County, as a potential model for Hancock.