Despite withdrawal of data center proposal, Etna and Violet Twp. residents worry about future
Residents in Etna and Violet townships remain concerned that a proposed land-use change could enable a future data center near their homes, despite developer Edged withdrawing its rezoning application. Township officials say the comprehensive plan is only a guide and that any future rezoning would require a separate public review process.
Edged withdrew its application to rezone a farm in Etna Township for a data center and told the township it is no longer interested in the property. However, nearby residents remain concerned that a draft comprehensive plan changing the land’s suggested use from rural residential to planned office could allow a future data center or other commercial development.
Etna Township Trustees and the Etna Zoning Commission are scheduled to present and discuss the plan at a public meeting. Trustee Rachel Zelazny said the plan will not rezone any property and that there is currently no active data center application for the site. Residents including Pam Bellish and Todd Leonard plan to attend and continue to oppose data center development near their homes, citing concerns about property values and the rural character of the area.