Vanderburgh County is joining their neighbors in addressing a growing area of development and concern — large data center projects.
These are the buildings that house large groups of computer servers to store digital data. Proponents see them as the next vehicle for economic development, and job creation for tradespeople. Opponents are concerned about the nuisance factor and possible environmental effects, stress on the utility grid and rising utilities cost.
On Thursday, the Area Plan Commission (APC) will vote to recommend, or not recommend the ordinance to the County Commission for passage.
This ordinance would create a five-person study group appointed by the County Commission, and defer any data center permits for 180 days of the signing of the ordinance.
The study group would present findings to the County Commission. The goal is to draft a local law to regulate data centers using this information. The ordinance leaves room for lengthening the deferred permit period if needed.
The draft language states that data centers weren’t part of the county master plan, nor current zoning ordinance, so such a measure is needed. Whatever the APC decision, the County Commission will likely take up the ordinance for a vote on August 25.
The open meeting is in room 301 of the Vanderburgh County Civic Center at 3 p.m.
A draft of the ordinance can be found on this online meeting agenda.
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