Green Township moves to establish zoning amid concerns over data center development
Green Township officials in Jefferson County, Ohio, have responded to resident opposition against potential data center developments by approving two resolutions. These resolutions initiate the process of establishing comprehensive zoning regulations and enact an immediate 12-month moratorium on new development. However, an unnamed data center project that purchased land in 2024 is grandfathered in and exempt from the moratorium.
Green Township officials in Jefferson County, Ohio, are moving to establish new zoning regulations and implement a development moratorium following significant opposition from residents regarding potential data center projects.
During a recent township trustee meeting, residents voiced strong concerns, prompting the trustees to approve two key resolutions. The first resolution commences the process of establishing zoning within Green Township. This involves appointing a five-member zoning commission tasked with drafting regulations for land use, which will cover agricultural, residential, and business districts. Any proposed zoning plan will require voter approval before it can be enacted.
Additionally, the trustees approved an immediate 12-month moratorium on new development. This measure aims to pause new projects until the comprehensive zoning regulations can be finalized. However, an unnamed company that acquired approximately 300 acres in Green Township in 2024 for a proposed data center is considered grandfathered in and is therefore exempt from this new moratorium.
The next Green Township trustees meeting is scheduled for August 11 at 6 p.m. to continue addressing these developments.