Planning, Zoning Meeting: Discussion Centers on Data Centers
McPherson County residents provided public comment on proposed zoning amendments for data centers, battery energy storage systems, and hydrogen energy transfer facilities. Many residents urged for stricter regulations to protect local resources, while some advocated for responsible economic growth. A moratorium on these facilities was previously enacted for further study.
McPherson County residents actively participated in a public comment session during a recent Planning and Zoning meeting, focusing on proposed amendments to zoning regulations for data centers, Battery Energy Storage Systems, and Hydrogen Energy Transfer Facilities. This public input was a crucial step following a moratorium placed on these developments last year by the McPherson County Commissioners, allowing for further study and community feedback.
During the meeting, citizens largely advocated for the implementation of new regulations to manage the growth of these technologies. Local business owner Nick Voss emphasized the need for "smart, performance based zoning" to encourage responsible economic development and maintain the county's competitiveness in digital infrastructure.
Conversely, Trish Kinkel of McPherson voiced strong opposition to allowing more data centers, citing concerns over the preservation of the county's rural character. She organized a petition that garnered 94 signatures, highlighting community worries about the water supply, electrical grid capacity, and potential noise pollution from these facilities.
The Planning and Zoning committee is currently reviewing all oral and written statements submitted by residents as it proceeds with the process of determining future property development and land use policies within McPherson County.