Clarion County Planning Commission Weighs Data Center Impact, SALDO Revisions
The Clarion County Planning Commission held a meeting to discuss the potential impact of data center developments, including concerns about utility strain, labor, and community benefits. A newly appointed data center committee is reviewing possible revisions to the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) and seeking public input. Commission members emphasized the need for due diligence before making recommendations regarding data centers.
The Clarion County Planning Commission's September 16 meeting was largely dominated by discussions surrounding potential data center developments, community benefit agreements, and possible ordinance changes.
Eugene Metcalf, a commission member, expressed frustration over inaccurate information about data centers and artificial intelligence, urging the committee to conduct thorough due diligence before making recommendations. While opposing an outright ban on data centers in the state, Metcalf suggested that if done correctly, they could benefit Clarion County. Fellow member Howard Schmader advised communities to scrutinize community benefit agreements, questioning whether developers' payments would directly benefit residents or strain utilities, labor, and construction materials.
Planning Director Kristi Amato updated the commission on the newly formed Clarion County data center committee, which has met once. This committee, consisting of Keith Decker, Leonard Bashline, Ken Swartfager, Cheyna Griggs, Commissioner Braxton White, and Amato, is reviewing potential revisions to the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) and encouraging residents to submit suggested changes.