Planning commission to discuss data center ordinance Tuesday
The Mercer County Regional Planning Commission is actively working on a countywide zoning ordinance aimed at regulating future data center construction. However, Bitfarms' proposed data center in Sharon will not be affected by this new ordinance, as it is considered grandfathered in.
The Mercer County Regional Planning Commission is developing a countywide zoning ordinance to regulate future data center construction, according to Doniele Russell, executive director. This ordinance, which will be discussed by the planning commission, is not expected to impact existing or newly proposed data centers in Sharon, specifically those owned by Bitfarms Ltd., as they are considered "grandfathered in" and will not be required to comply with the new regulations.
Bitfarms Ltd. currently operates a bitcoin mining data center in Sharon at the former Westinghouse Electric complex on Clark Street, featuring a building constructed in 2024 filled with computer servers and a separate structure for cooling equipment. The company acquired 17 acres for $6 million at this site for its data center operations.