Franklin County lays out plan to restrict data centers as public expresses displeasure

At a recent Franklin County Commissioners meeting, nearly 20 members of the public voiced their strong displeasure regarding data centers, urging commissioners to prevent their establishment in the county. Commissioners, including Dean A. Horst, clarified that they are legally unable to impose an outright ban on data centers. However, they are exploring ways to limit the impact and development of such facilities within the county. This includes discussions about a potential amendment to the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO). The proposed SALDO amendment would introduce various restrictions, such as mandating water studies, community and economic impact analyses, and implementing noise limits on data centers. Commissioner Robert G. Ziobrowski suggested that requiring 25% renewable energy, given land constraints, might make data centers economically unviable in the area. Public commenters raised concerns about continuous noise pollution disrupting sleep, and methane pollution from generators, while also disputing claims that data centers create significant long-term employment.